Pickering man who killed pregnant wife handed life sentence, to serve at least 17 years

A Pickering man convicted in the 2017killing of his pregnant wife was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 17 years on Thursday.

NicholasBaig, 27,pleaded guiltyto second-degree murder of AriannaGoberdhanearlier this year. The charge carries an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 10 to 25 years under the Criminal Code.

During a sentencing hearing ina packed Oshawa courtroomthis morning, Ontario Superior Court Justice Jocelyn Speyerordered that Baig serve at least 17 years in prison. She cited Baig'sguilty pleaand the "senseless act of cruelty" as reasons for her decision.

Speyer went on to describe the "profound and crushing" impact Baig's crime has had onGoberdhan'sfamily and friends, noting the wider community has been affected, too.

"Mr. Baig'smoral blameworthiness is exceedingly high. The gravity of Mr. Baig's crime is impossible to overstate," she said.

Goberdhan, 27,was nine-months pregnant with what would have been her first child when she was found dead atBaig's Pickering home in April 2017, court heard.

Her unborn baby, who Goberdhanplannedto name Asaara,did not survive.

Victim called 911 moments before being killed

The couple was married for six months before Baig was charged with Goberdhan's slaying. He quickly became a suspect in the case afterpolice said they received a 911 call about a domestic disturbance at hishouse.

Goberdhanphoned police surreptitiously,butdid not speak. Court documents state the operator heard her plead with Baig, saying: "You have to let me go. You have to let me go home ... you can't keep me here like this in the state that you are in Nick."

Baig stabbed her to death after the call ended, JusticeSpeyer said.

The home'ssecurity camera caught Baig leaving the property inGoberdhan's father's car two minutes later, the court heard.

Officers entered the home with Baig'sbrother. He found her body and a large kitchen knife lying in Baig'sbedroom, court documents stated. She had been stabbed 17 times.

Baig was arrested 24 hours later in Markhamfollowing a day-long search and charged with second-degree murder. Days later investigators upgraded the charge to first-degree murder after meeting with Crown attorneys, however in January he would pleadguilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder.

History of violence

Days after the discovery of Goberdhan's body, those that knew the couple as happy newlyweds said they were baffled. Family members told CBC Toronto the pair were excitedly awaiting the baby's arrival.

But it later emerged the couple had a troubled relationship, one Speyersaid was "marred by [his]abusive and controlling behaviour towardher."

Court documents show the family had separated four months beforeGoberdhan was killed. She had moved into her parents' house in Ajax because she and Baig "were not getting along." Despite that, she wouldperiodically visit Baig, according to an agreed statement of facts read in court.

Their relationship continued to deteriorate, the court heard, the extent of which was captured in a series of "vile" text messages Baig sent to his estranged wife.

One text submitted as evidence in the case read: "I've never wished death on anyone before I hope to God you stop breathing while you drive. I really don't want to be married to you."

Friends and family rememberedGoberdhanin their victim impact statementsas a vibrant and compassionate person who would light up any room she walked in to.