A judge has handed down an 18-month jail sentence to the man found criminally responsible for the death of a 17-year-old girl in a Sauble Beach treehouse fire four years ago.
Justice Roger Chown sentenced Taran Hibma on Aug. 2. Hibma was found guilty earlier this year of criminal negligence in the death of 17-year-old Genesis Young, who died of smoke inhalation in an Aug. 15, 2020 fire.
Justice Chown’s written sentencing report says Hibma, then 18-years-old, put lit sparklers under the door of a treehouse where Young and her boyfriend were sleeping that night. The structure ended up catching on fire. The boyfriend was able to escape, but Young died.
In addition to 18 months in jail, Hibma was also sentenced to 18 months of probation.
The defence had initially asked for a conditional sentence, while the Crown sought seven to eight years in prison. Justice Chown felt that was too harsh given Hibma’s young age.
“This case gives rise to an exceptionally difficult sentencing decision,” the judge says in his report.
Chown acknowledges Hibma committed a serious offence, but notes the Crown did not suggest or attempt to prove he intended for Young to die in the fire.
The sentencing report also mentions Hibma tried to hide the fact he caused the fire by lying in his statement to police about how he was asleep in the living room when the fire started.
The report says Hibma had consumed an excessive amount of alcohol leading up to the incident, and acknowledges he had mental health difficulties and struggled with alcohol abuse.
After Hibma was charged, he said he was sorry and asked for forgiveness from those who had been affected by Young’s death.
Chown considered what rehabilitation would look like for Hibma and looked at several facilities to assist, including LaunchPad, Turning Point, and Brightshores.
“Very often, the rehabilitation we hope for includes an end to substance abuse and that is the case here. Alcohol abuse was a factor in the crime here, and in Mr. Hibma’s case, his rehabilitation requires a chance in him that results in an end to his substance abuse. The other changes one would hope for involve him becoming a productive member of society through employment and service to the community,” Chown says in his report.
The judge also commented on the compassion Young’s family showed towards Hibma in their victim impact statements.
“To Genesis’ family members and friends, Genesis will never be forgotten by you. And I am sure you will never be able to forget the tragic events that resulted in this prosecution. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you to site through this case. I want to say to you that I was so very impressed by the victim impact statements and the positions taken in them. It really restores faith in humanity to see how you have responded with compassion towards Mr. Hibma in the circumstances. You have done immense credit to the memory of Genesis. I wish the very best of you and hope you can find peace,” Chown says.
