Judge to rule on parole eligibility for Guy Turcotte, guilty of killing his kids

Guy Turcotte arrives at the courthouse Monday, September 28, 2015 in Saint Jerome, Que. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz.

SAINT-JEROME, Que. — A Quebec man found guilty of second-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his two children will learn today how long he’ll have to wait before being eligible for parole.

Guy Turcotte was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury in December in the 2009 stabbing deaths of his two children.

The conviction carries an automatic life sentence.

But the court has some latitude on setting parole eligibility and Quebec Superior Court Justice Andre Vincent is expected to hand down his decision today.

The Crown says Turcotte should serve at least 20 years before he’s eligible to apply for parole.

The defence is seeking a 10 to 15 year minimum term.

Turcotte has appealed the verdict and is seeking a new trial.

The Canadian Press