How much time could UW stabber spend behind bars? Court hears recommendations [Video]

A judge will determine if the 2023 triple stabbing at the University of Waterloo constitutes an act of terrorism and, if it is, what Geovanny Villalba-Aleman’s sentence should be.

Villalba-Aleman has already pled guilty to four charges, including aggravated assault and assault with a weapon, for the attack in a gender studies classroom.

At his sentencing hearing this week, court heard from Villalba-Aleman’s victims, a psychologist who evaluated him and, on Thursday, arguments for and against the terrorism charge.

The Crown is recommending a 16-year sentence if Justice Frances Brennan rules Villalba-Aleman’s actions were an act of terrorism, or 13 years if she decides it was hate-motivated. The judge can also reject both options and, if so, federal prosecutors are seeking a 10-year term.

All three are slightly less than the maximum allowable. The Crown cited several mitigating factors, including: Villalba-Aleman’s guilty plea, his lack of a previous criminal record, …