Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Crown seeks 10 years for unprovoked stabbing spree

By: Mike McIntyre

Posted: 04/8/2010 3:59 PM | Comments: 0

The Crown is seeking 10 years in prison for a Winnipeg man who permanently disabled his wife and seriously wounded his cousin during an unprovoked stabbing spree that was witnessed by his 12-year-old daughter.

Larry Brass pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and resisting arrest for the May 2007 rampage inside his Wolever Avenue apartment suite.

Brass, 29, admits stabbing his spouse in the throat and face, severing a major artery which caused her to suffer a massive stroke, spend several days on life support and be left brain damaged and partially paralyzed. She now requires full-time care and is unable to work.

However, the woman told court in a statement she forgives Brass and wants her family to "reconcile" once he is out of prison.

Brass also admitted to slicing his cousin’s neck and slashing his face as he slept on a couch, causing extensive blood loss and permanent scarring. Brass then cut his own arms and throat, then begged Winnipeg police to shoot him when they arrived on scene. Officers were able to wrestle him to the ground without using deadly force.

Police had been called to the home by Brass’ pre-teen daughter and his 14-year-old sister, who were inside the apartment and saw him stabbing the helpless victims.

Crown attorney Colleen McDuff told court Thursday there is no explanation for the violence, which could have ended with several deaths.

Brass had consumed alcohol, cocaine and ecstasy that night while out with the victims celebrating his wife’s 28th birthday. They returned home and Brass attacked her in the bedroom without provocation, then went into the living room and began cutting his cousin.

McDuff was planning to play the young daughter’s 911 call in court but changed her mind, saying it was "too disturbing."

Brass is the nephew of former Manitoba RCMP Const. Dennis Strongquill, who was gunned down in December 2001 by three heavily armed Alberta fugitives during a seemingly routine traffic stop near Russell. The cousin Brass attacked is Strongquill’s son.

Brass offered a tearful apology in court Thursday to all of his victims and thanked them for their continued support.

"I made the biggest mistake of my life. I hurt the people I care about the most," said Brass. "I am sorry I can’t give any reason for why I committed such a horrible crime."

The Crown is seeking four years in prison, in addition to three years of time in custody which they said should be given double-time credit of six years. Defence lawyer Greg Hawrysh said his client has already spent enough time behind bars and should be released immediately with probation.

The judge has reserved his decision until later this spring. Brass – who has no prior criminal record - remains in custody.

Factual inaccuracy? Something missing? Help improve our journalism.

Know about news? Share your story suggestions, photos and video.

Spelling error? Punctuation problem? Send us an email if you’ve found a typo.

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.