A Vancouver man has been sentenced to two years of community service after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of a 72-year-old man.
Anthony Warren Woods, 31, admitted to the charge in a B.C. Provincial Court for the death of Alex Gortmaker on Dec. 15, 2020, at a Vancouver hotel.
He received a two-year conditional sentence and three years of probation.
The judge considered Woods’ background and condition, giving him a lighter sentence due to his history of verbal and emotional abuse in foster care, cognitive deficits, and commitment to addiction treatment.
Woods and a friend had been drinking and using drugs in a hotel suite before the incident.
They disturbed other guests, leading to a confrontation in the elevator with Gortmaker.
During the altercation, Woods stabbed Gortmaker in the chest, causing his death.
Despite efforts to save him, Gortmaker passed away at the scene.
Woods fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with manslaughter.
During his emotional interview with police, Woods expressed remorse and a desire to apologize to the victim’s family.
He remained in custody until his sentencing in April 2022.
Victim Impact Statement
Gortmaker’s niece, Sandra Gortmaker, described her uncle as a loving and peaceful man with a great sense of humor.
She expressed the profound impact of his loss on their family and community.
Others who knew Gortmaker also shared their grief over his untimely death.
Sentencing
The court acknowledged Woods’ troubled upbringing in foster care and his struggles with mental health issues.
Despite his challenges, Woods has shown progress in rehabilitation and adherence to bail conditions.
The judge considered Woods’ background, cognitive deficits, and rehabilitative efforts in determining his sentence.
Please rewrite this sentence.
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