A judge sentenced a 24-year-old man to 11 years in prison for a knife attack at party in Toronto on Halloween 2019 that left one person dead and six others injured.
Jacob Alves was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Firdous Nabizada, as well as six counts of assault, by a jury in 2023.
Nabizada was among the victims who were injured during a brawl at a “rowdy” party at a fraternity house in the Annex, Toronto police said at the time.
Nabizada was rushed to hospital in critical condition but died from his injuries a few days later.
During Alves’ trial, court heard that the fight broke out after Alves, who was 19 at the time, was denied entry to the party and was asked to leave.
At trial, Alves said he started carrying a knife for protection after a boy slashed him in the neck during a robbery.
Alves testified he had no memory of stabbing Nabizada or injuring six others because he was too intoxicated.
Judge says man was the aggressor in fight
But at Alves’ sentencing on Tuesday, Superior Court Justice Kelly Byrne said Alves was sober when he chose to arm himself with the knife before consuming alcohol and going to the party — intending to use it if needed.
Byrne said the facts of the case showed Alves was the aggressor and was the only one armed during the fight.
But the judge also noted that Alves has shown remorse for his actions, and that the court received 14 letters of support stating he is a good hearted person and his actions that night were completely out of character.
Though Alves had been on trial for second-degree murder, a jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Alves’ 11-year sentence for manslaughter is to be served concurrently with six sentences for assault.
Byrne gave him seven years and nine months credit for the time he’s already spent in custody under harsh conditions, meaning Alves has three years and three months left to serve in prison.