Montreal man sentenced to life in prison, no parole for 22 years for killing pregnant wife in 2024

A Montreal man who killed his pregnant wife will serve at least 22 years behind bars before he's eligible for parole. Mustafa Khalil Menshikin received a life sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Nearly three years ago, he stabbed Narges Benyadere to death while she slept. During the sentencing hearing, the court heard emotional victim impact statements, some from members of Benyadere's family who traveled from Tunisia to be there. They described the 32-year-old as a ray of sunshine, a loving person who was generous and sensitive, and said they don't want her to be remembered for what happened to her. Perhaps the most emotional statement was from Benyadere's mother. Wearing black sunglasses to hide her tears, she described how she battled cancer to be there for her daughter, only to have her daughter taken away. She said Menshikin was supposed to protect her daughter, but he did the complete opposite. And as testimonies went on, Menshikin shrunk down into the prisoner's box with his head in his hands. Before the murder, Menshikin reportedly said he didn't want to be a father, and even proposed to go back home to Tunisia. And online he searched for burnouts, survivors' benefits, and even prison sentences for murder. Benyadere's cousin says the family is satisfied with the sentence. Of course, it will not replace... What we are feeling, the loss that we had, but at least we feel that there is a minimum of justice in this world and we are sure that the justice in hereafter with God will be served too. Menshikin's lawyer read a statement on his behalf apologizing for what he had done. He blames his past actions on his prior mental state. In his ruling, Judge Marc-Andre Blanchard says the murder was a vile, heinous and cowardly act.