Calgary man faces deportation after stabbing friend 12 times with scissors

Hans Jimenez Varela, 30, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the January 2024 death of Jose Miguel Gutierrez Polanco. An eight-year sentence has been proposed; a decision is expected Sept. 10.

Calgary man risks deportation to Colombia after fatal scissors stabbing

A Calgary man who stabbed his friend 12 times with a pair of scissors during a drunken altercation now faces possible deportation to Colombia, cbc.ca reports, as his sentencing hearing got underway on Friday at the Court of King's Bench.

Hans Jimenez Varela, 30, has admitted to killing Jose Miguel Gutierrez Polanco, 28, on Jan. 28, 2024. He was initially charged with second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter when his jury trial was about to begin in April.

Crown seeks eight years; defence argues for options that could keep him in Canada

Crown prosecutor Terrence Mazerolle proposed an eight-year prison sentence. "It wasn't one shove; it wasn't one blow; it wasn't one careless movement. It was repeated 12 times," Mazerolle told the court.

Defence lawyer Jason Wuttunee asked Justice Christopher Simard to consider two alternatives: a conditional sentence order — which would allow Jimenez Varela to appeal deportation and remain in Canada with his family — or, failing that, a time-served sentence. Wuttunee argued his client was provoked and had acted in self-defence. "There are obvious public policy reasons for why it would be important and useful for his rehabilitation that he remain in Canada," he said.

Jimenez Varela has been in custody since his arrest in March 2024 and did not apply for bail. Justice Simard is expected to deliver his decision on Sept. 10.

An evening of drinks that turned fatal

According to an agreed statement of facts read aloud in court, the two men had met roughly a year before the killing through work at a local construction company. They did not spend time alone together often, but on the evening of Jan. 27, Gutierrez Polanco invited Jimenez Varela to his apartment for drinks. Both men became "severely intoxicated" as the night went on.

The agreed statement of facts states that Gutierrez Polanco initiated a confrontation, demanding respect regarding his age and background. The verbal dispute turned physical: Gutierrez Polanco shoved Jimenez Varela, who struck his head against a wall. When Jimenez Varela attempted to leave, Gutierrez Polanco punched him in the head.

Jimenez Varela then grabbed a nearby pair of scissors and stabbed Gutierrez Polanco 12 times — five times in the neck, six times in the torso and once in the arm. Three of those wounds could each have been fatal on their own, the agreed statement of facts noted.

Around 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 28, CCTV footage captured Jimenez Varela leaving the apartment. He resumed his normal routine. Gutierrez Polanco's body was found 17 days later, in "a state of advanced decomposition," by his property manager.

Family ties to Canada — and the risk of losing them

Court heard that Jimenez Varela's family came to Canada as refugees after facing threats in Colombia. His parents moved first; he was raised by extended family for six years before joining them, a period during which he struggled. He is the only member of his family who does not hold Canadian citizenship, having permanent residence status instead. A manslaughter conviction puts that status — and his future in Canada — at risk.

Through an interpreter, Jimenez Varela addressed both families in court. "He was a good friend of mine, and I also feel his loss," he said, apologizing for the harm caused.

Victim's sister: "I always think it's just a dream"

Gutierrez Polanco's younger sister, less than a year his junior, submitted a victim impact statement that was read aloud at the hearing. She described returning her brother's ashes to Mexico as the most difficult thing she has ever done.

"I always think it's just a dream and maybe he will call me, text me, but it does not happen," she wrote. "Nothing I've been doing will bring my brother back to me. He is always on my mind and will be forever."

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)