'Crimes of such horrendous violence diminish us all,' says judge in sentencing triple murderer

For killing three friends and sparking "outrage, fear and darkness" in his community, Austin Viellehas been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 20 years.

"These deaths have had a profound impact on many people," said Justice Rodney Jerkeas he sentenced VielleTuesday afternoon.

"Crimes of such horrendous violence diminish us all."

On Monday,Vielle, 24, pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder forfatally stabbing Kyle Devine, 27, his girlfriendClarissa English, 24, and her brotherDakota English, 18, in a Lethbridge home in 2015.

"Nothing I can do will remove the pain that any of you are enduring," Jerkesaid to the victims' families."Healing must come from other places."

• Court hears victims suffered 244 wounds in 'frenzy of violence' as triple murderer pleads guilty in Lethbridge

The three were found dead in the Lethbridge townhouse they shared as roommates in April 2015. The victims had been stabbed a total of 244 times, which prosecutorVaughanHartigandescribed as a"frenzy of violence."

Five knives and a meat cleaver were recovered by investigators following the attack.

Forensic evidence confirmedVielle'sDNA at the townhouse, and DNA from all three victims was atVielle'shome and on his seized clothing.

The prosecution thanked Lethbridgepolice for an "excellent investigation" that "very quickly solved this horrible case."

Outside the courthouse, family members who sat through the gruesome details on Monday expressed relief that the court process was over.

"My life's been completely on hold for almost three years. Now Ineed to start praying and building up my life again," said Laurie English, the mother of two of the victims.

Viellehad been close friends with all three, and in court heexpressed a wish to one day reconcile with his victims' families.

Laurie English left the door open to that possibility.

"Maybe someday. Not at this moment, not any time soon but maybe some day down the road."

Vielle wasso drunk at the time of the murders he doesn't remember why he committed such a vicious act of violence, leaving everyone involved with lingering questions.

"That's difficult for us in general as human beings," said prosecutor Vaughan Hartigan. "I'm afraid we're just going to be left without an answer to that question as will probably Mr. Vielle himself."

"The moment we hate someone is the moment we become that same person," saidIan Devine, Kevin's brother."Forgiveness can come but it will take time."

Several members of the English family struggled through emotions to read victim impact statements on Monday, recounting the "wicked nightmare" they've lived since losing the two siblings.

'I saw tears in his eyes'

In a statement read in the Lethbridge courtroom by defence lawyer Tonii Roulston, the killer expressed regret and apologized to his victims' families.

"Although he may not have shown it and he may have been a bit stoic, he was very emotional. I saw tears in his eyes," said Roulstonoutside the courthouse after her client was sentenced.

The apology was something most of the family members, like Kristi Devine, were hoping for.

Kristiis married to Allen Devineand is described as Kyle'smother, especially since he lost his own to homicide more than a decade ago.

"He should immediately begin educating himself about toxic masculinity and anger management," Kristi said of Vielle.

"Prison will not be easy nor should it be, but he should use the time wisely."