Jenna Strouble: Life Sentence for Brutal Toronto Family Murders
An Etobicoke man, Alpha Henry, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal second-degree murders of his parents, Colin and Veronica Henry, and the attempted murder of his brother, Daniel Kwame Henry. Superior Court Justice Joan Barrett delivered the sentence, deeming the crimes “brutal in nature” and highlighting Henry’s lack of remorse or insight into his actions.
The Horrific Crime
On September 21, 2022, police responded to a call at 27 Bergamot Ave. in Toronto, discovering the lifeless bodies of Veronica, 67, and Colin Henry, 68, in the bathtub. Evidence presented at the judge-alone trial revealed Alpha, 32, repeatedly stabbed his parents to death in their home. Veronica also sustained blunt force trauma to her face, including a fractured nasal bone. After the murders, Alpha attempted to stage the scene and falsely implicate his brother, Daniel.
According to Justice Barrett, had Daniel not fought back during the attack, he may have suffered the same fate as his parents. Alpha then proceeded to steal cash from the apartment and even sought the services of a sex worker before attempting to ambush his brother.
The Sentencing
Alpha Henry received a life sentence with a 17-year parole ineligibility period for the murders of his parents, to be served concurrently with a 14-year sentence for the attempted murder of his brother. Justice Barrett emphasized Henry’s “significant moral blameworthiness” and his limited rehabilitative potential.
A Family’s Loss and Community Grief
The Henrys were described as active and beloved members of the Kingsview Village Seventh-day Adventist Church. Colin served as a deacon, and Veronica was a dedicated community service leader, regularly volunteering at the church food bank. Friends and family shared poignant victim impact statements, expressing their profound grief and sense of loss.
Janet Bernard, a friend of the Henrys, recalled their generosity and selflessness. Alton Dikey, Veronica’s nephew, spoke of her kindness and emphasized the need for justice. Yvonne Henry D’Avalir, Colin’s sister, expressed the lasting impact of the tragedy on the entire family.
Background and Mental Health
The court heard that Alpha had been estranged from his family since May 2021 and had experienced periods of homelessness. While mitigating factors such as mental health challenges and his background as a young Black man were considered, Justice Barrett ultimately determined the severity of the crimes warranted a harsh sentence.
Alpha Henry has maintained his innocence, claiming his brother was responsible for the murders. He declined to address the court before sentencing. Daniel Henry, who suffered minor physical injuries during the attack, has been unable to return to his job in the aviation industry due to the emotional and psychological trauma.
Alpha has been in custody since September 2022 and will be eligible for parole in September 2039.
Source: Global News
