A 70-year-old man from Woodbridge, Ont., who murdered his wife nearly two years ago has been sentenced to life in prison.
Trevor Wheeler’s sentencing hearing was held on Thursday morning in Newmarket.
The Crown had sought parole ineligibility between 14 and 15 years. Wheeler represented himself in court but counsel appointed to provide assistance on his behalf suggested that parole ineligibility be set at 12 years.
In the end, Wheeler was sentenced to life imprisonment with no chance at parole for 13 years.
Accused alleged wife was unfaithful
Wheeler was convicted late last month of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his spouse, Estella Wheeler, in March 2024.
During his trial, Wheeler took the stand in his own defence, telling the court that his wife was going to kill him after he said he confronted her about being unfaithful.
Wheeler described his 64-year-old wife as difficult and evil during the trial.
Following his arrest, he told police that she was not following the teachings of their pastor, the court heard.
“(Estella) was the problem, not me,” Wheeler testified when asked by the Crown what happened.
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Victim was woman of faith, ‘passionate educator’
Described as a remarkable woman of faith and a “passionate educator,” the mother and grandmother was found by police on March 6, 2024 at her residence, suffering from more than 60 stab wounds. Estella was pronounced dead at the scene. Three kitchen knives were located in the home.
She was a popular teacher at an Africentric Alternative school in Toronto where she taught Grade 7/8.
Estella had worked for Toronto District School Board for just over seven years, the school said in a letter sent home to parents and guardians following her murder.
In the note, Principal Hugh Reynolds described Wheeler as a “beloved” teacher and a “well-known, dedicated team member,” someone who “cared for her all her students.”
Brookwell Park, near Sheppard Avenue West and Keele Street in North York, has now been renamed in her honour. An official renaming ceremony was held on Sept. 29.
