Manitoba Man Convicted of Killing Partner and 2 Children Receives Life Sentence with No Chance of Parole for 16 Years
A man who admitted his guilt to second-degree murder in the tragic deaths of his common-law partner and their two children has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 16 years.
During the sentencing hearing for Trevis McLeod in Winnipeg, Court of King’s Bench Justice Chris Martin accepted a joint recommendation from both the Crown and defense attorneys.
Describing the case as “horrible” and “one of the worst” he has encountered in his career, the judge expressed the enduring pain and shock of the tragic events.
McLeod, 52, confessed to the killings in September after a forensic assessment ruled out any mental disorder as a factor.
On April 10, 2022, Shantelle Murphy, 32, Isabella Murphy, 6, and Mason Murphy, 3, were discovered dead in the family’s residence in Portage la Prairie.
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Initially responding to a fire at the home prompted by concerned neighbors, firefighters tragically discovered the bodies of the three victims in upstairs bedrooms.
Evidence presented in court revealed that the woman and children had suffered severe blunt force trauma to their heads and bodies.
McLeod’s history of drug addiction and drug-induced hallucinations and delusions were cited as contributing factors. He had previously sought treatment for paranoia and addiction.
Reportedly experiencing delusions at the time of the murders, McLeod believed that Shantelle Murphy and others were sexually harming Isabella and Mason.
A psychiatric evaluation conducted during the summer determined that McLeod did not have a mental disorder that would absolve him of criminal responsibility. McLeod did not dispute this assessment.
An agreed statement of facts provided details of the morning when the tragic events unfolded.
McLeod told a psychiatrist after his arrest that he believed a plot existed to sexually exploit Isabella and Mason, leading him to feel the need to protect the children by killing them.
Having consumed several beers at the family residence, McLeod used a metal pipe to fatally strike Murphy and the two children.
Prior to departing the house, McLeod woke his adult son from a previous relationship, who was sleeping downstairs, and set fire to some of Isabella’s drawings in the living room.
His older son left for a relative’s house nearby, while McLeod visited multiple residences in Portage la Prairie.
He first went to his brother’s home, where his behavior raised concerns about his drug use. His sister’s home was his next stop, where he accused her of responsibility before resorting to violence.
Eventually seeking help from a stranger after allegedly being pushed into a ditch, McLeod was apprehended by authorities.
Upon his arrest, blood was discovered on McLeod’s clothing, and forensic analysis matched it to the victims. A knife was also found in his possession, but no victim’s blood was present on it.
For second-degree murder, McLeod was sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for a minimum of 16 years—a period agreed upon by the Crown to spare the family the pain of a trial.
