No parole for at least 12 years for 'impulsive, dangerous' killer
A Kamloops man who shot and killed his best friend before going on a bizarre crime spree in 2009 will spend at least a dozen years behind bars before becoming eligible to apply for parole.
B.C. Supreme Court Justice Peter Rogers called convicted murdered Robert Barinecutt "impulsive" and "dangerous" in sentencing the 63-year-old on Friday, March 11.
In February, a jury found Barinecutt guilty of second-degree murder, kidnapping with a firearm and robbery with a firearm.
The second-degree murder conviction carries with it a life sentence, but it was up to Rogers to decide how long Barinecutt would have to serve before becoming eligible to apply for parole.
Barinecutt shot William Brent McEwen once in the head on Feb. 15, 2009, as McEwen drove a red Suzuki compact car northbound on Highway 5 near Rayleigh.
Barinecutt then pulled the vehicle into a ditch, exited the car and flagged down a passerby, who he carjacked.
The passerby drove Barinecutt to the 7-Eleven in Brocklehurst, where Barinecutt got out of that vehicle and attempted to carjack a couple sitting in a car in the parking lot.
A struggle ensued, and the male passenger of the car was shot in the hand.
Barinecutt was eventually subdued and arrested a short time later.
McEwen later died of his injuries.
Rogers sentenced Barinecutt to eight years for the robbery and kidnapping convictions.
It is not yet known if Barinecutt will appeal the conviction.
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