Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Fort McPherson (Nov 14/05) - Stanley James Itsi was sentenced to eight years in prison Nov. 3, after a jury of nine women and three men found him guilty of manslaughter in the slaying of his wife, Joni Francine Andre.

Itsi will serve five years of his eight year sentence, and is eligible for parole after 2 1/2 years. James Andre, the victim's father, said the sentence was too light.

"It was just a slap on the wrist," said Andre.

According to Andre, death is the same no matter how it is explained and Itsi should have received a heavier sentence.

"It's murder, not manslaughter," said Andre.

According to Crown prosecutor Shelley Tkatch, Andre was stabbed at a house party in January 2004 at Fort McPherson.

A dispute between Itsi and Andre escalated into a physical fight.

Andre suffered a split lip and broken tooth before Itsi grabbed a knife.

Tkatch said others at the party left the house. When they returned a short while later, they found Andre with a stab wound.

She died 90 minutes later in the health centre.

After sentencing, friends and family asked Andre if he would consider an appeal.

"They came to me at my truck, and wanted to know what I was going to do about his sentence," said Andre.

"It's terrible, this justice system is not working for us."

Andre was upset that Itsi would spend his sentence in jail, where he would have shelter, and be looked after.

"He'll have three square meals a day, have access to a gym, and have a roof over his head," said Andre.

"That's better off than most people in small communities."

Itsi was charged and later acquitted of manslaughter in October 1999, regarding the beating death of Clifford Francis, 35, of Fort McPherson.

Francis died of a brain injury after a house party in Fort McPherson in February 1998.