A Calgary teenager received a seven-year sentence for the fatal stabbing of a boy he had never met. This sentence, handed down on Monday, is the maximum penalty for a youth convicted of second-degree murder under Canadian law. The teenager, referred to as SK due to a publication ban under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was 17 years old at the time of the incident on June 6, 2024.

The victim, a 16-year-old boy, was killed after a social media feud between the two escalated. Court of King's Bench Justice Lisa Silver described their online interactions as "hostile and unfriendly" during the sentencing. SK was sentenced to four years in custody, followed by three years of community supervision.

The sentence was proposed jointly by the prosecutor and the defense attorneys. Justice Silver acknowledged SK's efforts during his time in custody, stating, "SK is now on the road to success [but the] journey is far from over." She noted that he has engaged in various programs, sought one-on-one counseling, and volunteered to mentor other inmates, emphasizing that rehabilitation is a realistic goal.

The court heard details of the incident leading to the stabbing. In the weeks prior, SK and the victim had been involved in a social media dispute. On the day of the attack, SK confronted the victim while he was walking with his girlfriend and stabbed him at least three times. The victim was wearing a valuable hooded sweatshirt known as a BAPE, which SK demanded. After the stabbing, SK fled the scene, discarded his clothing, and misled both his mother and the police by claiming he acted in self-defense.

When presented with surveillance footage, SK confessed to his actions, explaining that he had "blacked out with rage" due to the ongoing feud. Justice Silver addressed SK directly during the sentencing, stating, "You have done a terrible thing, the most terrible act that anyone can do. And what for? All because of an argument, a dislike, a hoodie."

During the hearing, powerful victim impact statements were shared by the victim's family. Justice Silver remarked on their profound grief, noting they are "bewildered in their grief … they count the days of their loss." The case highlights the tragic consequences of conflicts that escalate from social media interactions.