Jeremy Skibicki sentencing hearing to hear from women’s families [Video]

Families and supporters of four Indigenous women who died at the hands of a serial killer are expected to address the man for the first time today in a Winnipeg courtroom.

A judge convicted Jeremy Skibicki last month of first-degree murder in the 2022 slayings, which put another spotlight on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

A first-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

During the sentencing hearing, families of the women will get a chance to provide victim impact statements.

An Indigenous advocacy organization is also expected to present a statement on behalf of the Indigenous community, after it travelled to various Manitoba locations to hear from members.

The trial heard Skibicki targeted the women at homeless shelters, then strangled or drowned them before disposing of their remains in garbage bins.

The killings came …