Peter Wilson sentenced to 55 years
Posted October 22, 2010 10:04 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SHELTON, WA (NEWS1130) – An Abbotsford man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for killing his five-year-old stepdaughter this June in Hoodsport, Washington.
Peter Wilson slit the Clare Shelswell’s throat after an argument with her mother. The Mason County’s prosecuting attorney Gary Burleson calls the sentence appropriate. “It was… right in the middle of my range of recommendation.”
Burleson says he had asked for 50-60 years for Wilson, while the defense wanted 44 years.
Shelswell’s mom had the opportunity to speak about Clare. “[She] was a bubbly, smart, loving, creative, vibrant five-year-old girl. She was so full of love. If you ask the people who knew her, most of them would tell you she always had hugs for them. Her kindergarten teacher got one every morning before class.”
She says she has nightmares about what happened and the memory of it haunts her every day.
The prosecuting attorney says Peter Wilson was also quite distraught and remorseful. Burleson calls it a sad, tension filled day in court.
Wilson initially pleaded not guilty, saying he’s on medication for a bi-polar disorder. But he eventually changed his plea to guilty. Defence lawyers are still checking if they can apply to have him transferred to a Canadian prison.
