Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Life Sentence for Brampton Man Convicted of Murder and Aggravated Assault

A Brampton man has been handed a life sentence along with an additional eight-year concurrent sentence for first-degree murder and aggravated assault. Kahli Johnson-Phillips was found guilty in November 2023 after a lengthy three-month jury trial. The court determined that Johnson-Phillips was one of two individuals involved in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old University of Windsor student, Jason Pantlitz-Solomon, and the injuring of his girlfriend, Camila Lufitha-Molima, on August 27, 2018, in downtown Windsor.

Pantlitz-Solomon suffered from at least 12 gunshot wounds, which proved fatal. Lufitha-Molima, on the other hand, survived her injuries after being shot in the leg. During the court proceedings on Friday, victim impact statements were presented by Pantlitz-Solomon’s mother, Alicia Pantlitz, his aunt, Roslyn Solomon, and Crown prosecutor Bryan Pillon, who read two additional statements from Jason’s friends at the University of Windsor.

Alicia Pantlitz emotionally described her son as confident, ambitious, loving, charming, opinionated, strong, and responsible. She highlighted his qualities that made him a champion for the people he cared about and expressed her aspirations for him to study law and start a family of his own. She shared her vision of seeing her son’s picture displayed alongside judges’ photos at the Windsor courthouse, symbolizing his achievements and becoming a beacon of justice.

Recalling the morning of August 27 when she received the heartbreaking news of her son’s shooting, Pantlitz expressed her deep anguish and the profound impact it had on her life. She condemned the deliberate and malicious act that took her son’s life, emphasizing that Jason was trying to challenge the stereotypes associated with young black men and bring about positive change.

Pantlitz admitted that even after five years, she continues to grapple with the pain, emptiness, and trauma caused by the loss of her son. She acknowledged that nothing can bring him back, but stressed that the loss of a life changes the lives of everyone connected to it.

Sentence Decision

Superior Court Judge Pamela Hebner acknowledged that a conviction for first-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence without parole eligibility. However, there was the question of conviction for aggravated assault. After deliberation, both the Crown and defense lawyers agreed on a joint sentence of eight years, to be served concurrently with the life sentence. Judge Hebner accepted this arrangement.

Judge Hebner recognized the severity of the victim’s injuries and described the shooting as an unprovoked act of extreme violence. She highlighted the incalculable impact the incident had on friends and family. Additionally, she noted Johnson-Phillips’ extensive criminal history, which included prior convictions such as kidnapping, obstruction to a peace officer, robbery, failure to comply with a release order, and failure to appear in court. She also mentioned a conviction for receiving material benefits from sexual services in Thunder Bay, just six weeks before the murder.

Concluding the sentencing, Judge Hebner expressed doubt about Johnson-Phillips’ rehabilitation potential, citing his constant disregard for the law and the safety of others. However, she expressed hope that education might influence him to choose a different path in the future.

Following the sentencing, defense attorney Michael Moon expressed sympathy for the victim’s family. As part of the sentence, Johnson-Phillips will be prohibited from owning firearms for life. He is also required to provide DNA samples and is forbidden from communicating with the Pantlitz-Solomon and Lufitha-Molima families during his imprisonment.

This sentencing serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of violent crimes on families and communities. It also emphasizes the importance of justice and rehabilitation in ensuring public safety.

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