Sentencing begins for James Schwalm in murder of wife Ashley Milne as family shares impact statements

James Schwalm's sentencing began on Monday, with emotional victim impact statements from family and friends of his wife, Ashley Milne, whom he murdered in January 2023. Schwalm pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and admitted to strangling Milne and then burning her body in an attempt to cover up the crime. During the hearing, Milne's family described the profound impact of her death, calling Schwalm's actions selfish and devastating. They expressed disbelief that he could harm the mother of his children and highlighted his deceitful behavior after the murder. Schwalm's defense is seeking a shorter parole eligibility of 13 to 14 years, while the Crown argues for 21 to 22 years. Justice Michelle Fuerst is set to deliver the sentence in February.