‘I didn’t mean to hurt her’: Man who stabbed Jamestown woman pleads guilty

Tyler Abbott has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the 2023 death of Theresa Agawa, a 42-year-old woman who died nearly two weeks after being stabbed. The plea represents a reduction from the original charge of second-degree murder.

Plea and Sentencing

Abbott appeared before Justice Michael Varpio at the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse via video link from the Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre. The sentencing followed a plea deal arranged by assistant Crown attorney Robert Skeggs and defence lawyer Andrew Vaughan, who jointly recommended an eight-year custodial sentence.

Remorse and Responsibility

During the proceedings, Abbott expressed his remorse, stating, “I didn’t mean to hurt her. I do feel bad.” Justice Varpio acknowledged Abbott’s expression of remorse and acceptance of responsibility, but emphasized that accountability for his actions ultimately rested with him. “At the end of the day, Mr. Abbott, you are responsible for your own actions,” Varpio stated.

Circumstances of the Attack and Victim’s Condition

On August 20, 2023, at 1:42 a.m., Sault Ste. Marie Police Service officers were flagged down by Agawa, who had been stabbed in the lower abdomen. She was able to identify Abbott as her attacker. Initially, Agawa was standing and smoking a cigarette when paramedics arrived and was transported to Sault Area Hospital.

While initially stable, Agawa began experiencing complications eleven hours after the stabbing. Despite a surgeon recommending exploratory surgery, she initially declined. Later, when she was no longer able to advocate for herself, surgery was authorized, revealing a pierced small bowel and subsequent sepsis, pneumonia, and lung failure. She died on September 1, 2023.

Factors Considered During Sentencing

Justice Varpio considered Abbott’s challenging upbringing, including alcohol abuse in a single-parent home and a history of drug abuse. However, he underscored that these factors did not excuse his violent act. The court noted that manslaughter sentences for stabbings vary considerably, ranging from six to eleven years or more, and determined that eight years was appropriate in this case.

Additional Legal Matters and Victim Impact

Agawa’s partner stated that Abbott had been living on their couch. The court also heard that Agawa had previously provided Abbott with drugs and had taken his laptop as payment for a debt. Abbott was arrested in Toronto on August 10, 2024, in an unrelated incident, and subsequently arrested by Sault Ste. Marie police.

In a victim impact statement, Agawa’s sister, Stephanie Dinsmore, described the profound loss felt by the family, particularly by Agawa’s children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Dinsmore also expressed increased caution regarding public safety.

In addition to the eight-year sentence, Abbott received a lifetime ban on possessing weapons and was recently sentenced to four years in a Toronto court for aggravated assault and robbery, a sentence to be served concurrently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the original charge against Tyler Abbott?

Tyler Abbott was originally charged with second-degree murder in relation to the death of Theresa Agawa.

Did Theresa Agawa immediately seek surgery after being stabbed?

No, Theresa Agawa initially declined a surgeon’s recommendation for exploratory surgery, and her wound was loosely stitched.

What other legal issues is Tyler Abbott facing?

Tyler Abbott was also recently found guilty of aggravated assault and robbery in Toronto and received a four-year sentence.

How might this case influence future sentencing decisions in similar manslaughter cases involving stabbings?