Man Charged In Creba Killing Pleads Guilty To Second-Degree Murder
Posted December 22, 2009 11:20 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Nearly four years to the day after the fatal shot was fired, a man charged in Jane Creba’s death has made a surprising decision.
Jeremiah Valentine (pictured), 27, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Tuesday. He will serve a life sentence and will be eligible for parole in 12 years.
“Mr. Valentine sincerely expressed his remorse and he’s given to the Creba family and the people of Toronto the only thing left he has to give and that is a guilty plea,” defence lawyer Edward Sapiano told reporters after the sentencing.
“There’s nothing more that he can do to undo what he’s done,” Sapiano added.
Creba, 15, was killed on December 26, 2005, as she shopped with her family on Yonge Street. She was caught in the crossfire of a gang shootout and was not the intended target. The family did not make a victim-impact statement.
“We’re pleased that Mr. Valentine has accepted responsibility and acknowledged his role and participation in this unfortunate incident,” Det. Sgt. Savas Kyriacou said.
In an earlier interview with police, Valentine initially denied he was even on Yonge Street when Creba was shot. Watch a clip of that interview in the video below.
Creba was one of four people who were shot. The other three survived.
Two other suspects are also charged with second-degree murder in the shoot-out. Their trial is to start in January.
A fourth man has been convicted of second-degree murder. Jorrell Simpson-Rowe, 21, was protected under the Youth Criminal Justice act when he was arrested but sentenced as an adult, allowing his identity to be revealed.
One man was convicted of manslaughter in the case, four more were acquitted and two other men will face the same charge next year.
