Man convicted of killing father calls mandatory life sentence too severe
Warning: Readers may find some of the details in this article disturbing.
A year after Brad McKee was convicted of killing his father in Penetanguishene in 2019, his sentencing hearing got underway in a Barrie courtroom Monday, with McKee arguing the mandatory minimum life sentence is too severe.
The 32-year-old man claims the punishment is cruel and unusual and in violation of his charter rights.
The jury found McKee guilty last November, determining he confined his parents in the bedroom of their home before fatally stabbing his 59-year-old father, Bill McKee, in the neck when Bill tried to call for help on Feb. 11, 2019.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
McKee said in the days and weeks leading up to his father's death he felt someone was trying to sabotage his life, saying his brain was not working correctly and describing being "quite psychotic and insane," adding he had "lost touch with reality."
During the trial, it was revealed McKee's mother had managed to escape the home and sought help from a neighbour who called 911. When the police arrived, they found Brad McKee with a self-inflicted neck wound, asking officers and paramedics to let him die.
His mother, Anna McKee, has stood by her son's side, saying the system failed her family and cost Bill his life.
In an interview with CTV News earlier this year, she said her son struggled with mental health, and claimed several hospital officials turned him away as she and her husband tried to get him help.
Anna McKee insists her son never intended to kill his father as he appeals his murder conviction.
"My husband is dead, my son is disabled, and people have to open up their eyes. And I want to give a message to the prime minister and all the health ministers to get their act together," Anna McKee said in the January interview, revealing Brad tried several times to end his life, including in the weeks leading up to his father's death.
Brad McKee said he believes at times he is in hell or some kind of purgatory, claiming he's being tortured, hearing voices and being burned by lasers coming from the vents, which he does not believe are delusions.
The sentencing hearing will continue this week, with McKee's mother expected to testify on Wednesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
A fast-moving wildfire has hit Jasper, Alberta, destroying buildings and chasing some wildland firefighters away with dangerously poor air quality.
Jasper mayor says alert system to be reviewed after message 'glitch'
More than 25,000 people have been displaced from Jasper National Park since wildfires started to threaten the picturesque corner of Alberta Rockies on Monday, but the mayor of its namesake municipality says not everyone received an evacuation alert when it was sent out.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Kitchener
-
Guelph, Ont. police constable continues to fight for his job
A police constable in Guelph, Ont. pleaded guilty Wednesday to discreditable conduct – for a second time.
-
Cambridge mother blames GRCA for flood that destroyed her belongings
A Cambridge woman explains why she blames the GRCA for a flood that damaged her home and forced her family to flee in a canoe.
-
Wanted teen considered dangerous after escaping secure custody facility: WRPS
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) is searching for a 16-year-old they say escaped a security custody facility in Wilmot Township.
London
-
17-year-old victim of intimate partner violence was previously violently attacked by her partner
17-year-old Breanna Broadfoot, who will be honoured with a vigil on Wednesday night, had allegedly previously been attacked by her partner, residing in the same home where she later received fatal injuries.
-
Driver walks home after police tow vehicle that revved at Mitchell stop light
Nobody likes a loud and aggressive driver – but one such driver caught the attention of the wrong police officer when they revved their engine at a red light in Mitchell in early July.
-
Political U-turn kills plan to reduce speed limits in dozens of school zones on London’s busiest roads
On Tuesday, a majority of council rejected a recommendation by the Civic Works Committee that would have reduced speed limits by 10 km/hr in school zones along arterial roads during periods when students are usually present.
Windsor
-
'We want what's best for the neighbourhood': Residents given more time to lobby for change
The residents of Spago Crescent in South Windsor are open to change.
-
Thousands expected for car festival this weekend In Amherstburg
This weekend, the town of Amherstburg will be a car-lover's dreamland come true.
-
Politicians come together to celebrate Gordie Howe International Bridge deck connection
Politicians came together at the Gordie Howe International Bridge Wednesday afternoon to celebrate its deck connection.
Northern Ontario
-
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
-
Northern Ont. reaction to Canada's Olympic controversy
With soccer growing in popularity in Sudbury, some with experience in the sport are with confusion and disappointment to the recent news out of the Olympics.
-
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Family dispute leads to damaged vehicle, threats in Elliot Lake
A family dispute erupted in Elliot Lake on Tuesday afternoon, ending with a damaged vehicle in a driveway and impaired driving charges.
-
Ontario sends 100 Fire Rangers to fight B.C. wildfires
Responding to a call for help from B.C., Ontario sent 100 fire rangers Monday to help battle hundreds of out-of-control wildfires burning on the West Coast.
-
Chrysler hybrid minivan no longer allowed on ferries due to safety recall
If you have summer plans to board a ferry to Manitoulin or Pelee Island, you may want to check to see if there are any safety recalls on your vehicle as some are not allowed this year.
Ottawa
-
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCHSEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH Severe storms move across eastern Ontario, prompting weather warnings
A series of weather watches were issued across Ottawa and eastern Ontario, as severe storms moved through the area Wednesday.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING These were the most commonly stolen vehicles in Ottawa in June
Ottawa police are noting a developing trend in the types of vehicles that are being targeted by thieves in the capital.
-
Canada soccer fans express shock, disappointment from Olympic team drone incident
The Olympics begin Friday, but it's been an embarrassing debut for the Canada’s women's soccer team who are now embroiled in a major scandal.
Toronto
-
The Ontario Science Centre hosted a wedding the day after its dramatic shutdown
The day after the doors of the Ontario Science Centre closed to the public on the grounds that its roof was failing and unsafe, the centre’s management made an exception to allow a wedding and reception on its grounds.
-
One person dead after collision in Mississauga
One person is dead after a collision in Mississauga Wednesday afternoon.
-
Blue Jays sting Rays 6-3 with a four-run eighth inning
Back-to-back RBI singles with two out from Justin Turner and Daulton Varsho were enough to spark a four-run eighth inning and push the Toronto Blue Jays to a 6-3 win against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.
Montreal
-
Quebec athlete named one of Canada's 2024 Olympic flag bearer
Maude Charron will carry the Canadian flag during Friday's Olympic opening ceremony in Paris. The athlete from Rimouski will also be defending her Olympic gold medal in weightlifting.
-
Montreal electronic traffic signs hacked to display pro-Palestinian political slogans
Montreal police are investigating after electronic message boards at two road construction sites in Montreal displayed pro-Palestinian political slogans Wednesday morning instead of usual traffic alerts.
-
Service resumes on the metro's orange line after water main leak: STM
Montreal's transit authority said a water main break disrupted service on part of the metro's orange line during the afternoon commute Wednesday.
Atlantic
-
Risk and timing of thunderstorms in the Maritimes on Thursday
Showers along with a risk of thunderstorms will return to the Maritimes on Thursday as a cold front approaches from the west.
-
Border officers seize 140lbs of cannabis at Halifax airport
Two people are facing drug smuggling-related charges after border officers seized 140 pounds of suspected cannabis at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport on Monday.
-
N.S. murderer's cryptocurrency stash rules out free legal aid for appeal
A judge has ruled that a stash of cryptocurrency belonging to a convicted Nova Scotia murderer means he won't be receiving free legal aid for an appeal.
Winnipeg
-
Search of North End property linked to 2021 missing person case
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is executing a search warrant at a North End property on Wednesday to look for evidence linked to a missing person case from 2021.
-
Elementary school in Thompson goes up in flames
An elementary school in Thompson, Man., has gone up in flames on Wednesday.
-
Church of rock: Jets owner, The Brothers Landreth save dwindling Winnipeg church, give it added purpose
A saving grace for a dwindling Winnipeg church has come in the form of Winnipeg Jets owner Mark Chipman and Juno-award-winning folk duo The Brothers Landreth.
Calgary
-
AS IT HAPPENEDAS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
-
New fire burning in Banff National Park south of Hector Lake
A new fire was reported to be burning in Banff National Park late Wednesday afternoon.
-
Canadian man killed in southern Israel has ties to Airdrie
A man from Alberta was gunned down in southern Israel on Monday, near the Gaza border while he was armed with a knife.
Edmonton
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
A fast-moving wildfire has hit Jasper, Alberta, destroying buildings and chasing some wildland firefighters away with dangerously poor air quality.
-
Multiple structures ablaze as wildfire roars into Jasper townsite
One of two raging, wind-whipped fires menacing Jasper, Alta., roared into town Wednesday night and began burning buildings.
-
Jasper mayor says alert system to be reviewed after message 'glitch'
More than 25,000 people have been displaced from Jasper National Park since wildfires started to threaten the picturesque corner of Alberta Rockies on Monday, but the mayor of its namesake municipality says not everyone received an evacuation alert when it was sent out.
Regina
-
Traffic restrictions in place after crash near Highway 1: Moose Jaw police
Drivers passing through Moose Jaw can expect some delays following a crash near Highway 1.
-
Water upgrades near completion at Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant
Residents in Regina and Moose Jaw will soon have better tasting water.
-
Regina outreach groups work to help vulnerable people in the heat
With Regina facing another round of hot temperatures, in addition to smoke lingering in the air, it is a particularly difficult time for those experiencing homelessness.
Saskatoon
-
'A bright light': Trevor LaPlante identified as Prince Albert homicide victim
Prince Albert is grieving the loss of one of its most beloved neighbours and community champions.
-
'It's a big deal': Harmful invasive species a growing concern in Saskatchewan lakes
As people get out and enjoy the many lakes in our province this summer, those who take care of the waterways are warning about dangerous invasive species that’s a growing threat in Saskatchewan.
-
‘Restored our faith in humanity': Community rallies around 7-year-old Sask. girl after lemonade stand robbery
A seven-year-old Saskatoon girl is dealing with the aftermath from her lemonade stand being robbed by two teenage boys on Monday.
Vancouver
-
'How can we be going backwards?' Vancouver city council votes to allow natural gas heat in new buildings
Vancouver city council has voted to allow natural gas for heating and hot water in new construction.
-
'We've pretty much lost our range': Ranch manager loses second range in 3 years to wildfires
T.J. Walkem, along with more than 80 of his cows, has spent the last few days desperately trying to evade the out-of-control Shetland Creek wildfire.
-
80,000 lightning flashes in B.C. in 3 days
Environment Canada has recorded a whopping 80,007 lightning flashes in British Columbia from Sunday through Tuesday, and the count continues on Wednesday for what could be a record-breaking stretch.
Vancouver Island
-
'No known connections' between recent sexual assaults on Vancouver Island, police say
Police on Vancouver Island are investigating three sexual assaults by strangers that were reported in the past week, though there is no indication the attacks are connected.
-
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
-
Vancouver Island wildfire grows overnight, remains out of control
A wildfire burning out of control on Vancouver Island continued to spread Wednesday as the provincial wildfire service assigned more resources to try to contain the blaze.
