Man to spend 8.5 years in prison for killing New Westminster woman

By Lasia Kretzel and Denise Wong

Posted March 22, 2022 3:18 pm.

Last Updated March 24, 2022 12:20 pm.

A 22-year-old man will spend more than eight years in prison for killing a New Westminster woman and burning her body last year.

Carlo Tobias pleaded guilty Tuesday to manslaughter and accessory after the fact to the killing of Ma Cecilia Loreto, whose body was found in Greentree Village Park on March 18.

Tobias’ sentence was 10 years, however, since he’s been in custody since turning himself in, he will spend about 8.5 years in prison.

Tobias was originally charged with first-degree murder and with sexual interference of a minor.

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A 15-year-old, who cannot be identified, is also charged in Loreto’s death. At the time, police said everyone knew each other, but have not given details.

Homicide investigators say Loreto, 49, was killed in her New Westminster home on March 17, 2021. Her burned remains were found early the next morning in Greentree Village Park, located near the BCIT campus in Burnaby.

The family of Loreto and the local Filipino community remembers Loreto as a good mother who was a loving and happy person.

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