David Moss in a photo taken after he was charged in the death of Bella Rose Desrosiers. (Edmonton Police Service/Court exhibit)
The judge found that although Moss had no reason to kill Desrosiers outside a “delusional belief system” he was under, he was still aware of what he was doing, and capable of having the intent to commit murder.
Mandziuk said Friday these are also factors that play into his sentencing.
The judge found that Moss has underlying mental health conditions, and a history of experiencing and witnessing abuse during his childhood, that are connected to his substance use as an adult.
Moss knew he could become paranoid or erratic when he used cannabis, but it hadn’t previously made him violent or put him in a state of psychosis.
“[Moss’s] drug-induced psychosis contributed to the commission of the offence. His psychotic beliefs are what led him to kill Bella,” Mandziuk said.
“I must also consider that the offender made a deliberate decision to kill Bella, sought out a weapon with which to kill her, and was undeterred in ensuring that Bella died, even in the face of Melissa’s attempts to stop him and Bella’s pleas for him to stop.”
Mandziuk accepted that Moss is remorseful and “ridden with anguish” about the crime.
But he also noted a lack of insight, with Moss continuing to attribute his actions to a mental illness rather than his cannabis use.
Moss sat in the prisoner’s box with his head bowed throughout much of Friday’s proceedings. After standing up to be sentenced, court sheriffs led him from the room.