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Man Sentenced to Life for 2022 Random Stabbing Murder of Vanessa Ladouceur in Calgary

The Crime and Trial

On March 18, 2022, Vanessa Ladouceur, a fitness instructor, was fatally stabbed in downtown Calgary by Michael Adenyi. Adenyi followed Ladouceur for nearly two blocks before attacking her with multiple stab wounds, including six to her face. Ladouceur died from blood loss at the scene. During the attack, Adenyi also inflicted wounds on himself. At trial, Adenyi’s defense argued he was experiencing a psychotic episode related to schizophrenia, claiming he believed he was fighting creatures rather than a human. They presented evidence of hallucinations and antipsychotic medication use. Crown prosecutors countered that Adenyi knew his actions were wrong and lied to police and mental health professionals to avoid responsibility. The jury was shown disturbing evidence including two notebooks with violent writings and an internet search history about human anatomy and blood loss. After 12 hours of deliberation in a five-week trial, the jury rejected the defense of not criminally responsible due to mental disorder and found Adenyi guilty of first-degree murder.

Sentencing and Victim Impact

On June 19, 2025, Justice Jane Sidnell sentenced Adenyi to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. The judge described the killing as a “heinous crime against a stranger who was simply walking to work,” highlighting the impact on Vanessa’s family and friends. Vanessa’s mother, Erika Ladouceur, delivered a victim impact statement expressing profound grief and recalling the trauma of identifying her daughter’s body. She condemned Adenyi’s actions and expressed hope that he never regains freedom, stating he should remember Vanessa’s face whenever he sees his own scars.

Legal Aftermath

In addition to the life sentence, Justice Sidnell imposed a lifetime firearms ban on Adenyi. He will be eligible for full parole in March 2047, though release is not guaranteed as the Parole Board of Canada may deny it. The sentencing concludes a tragic case that has deeply affected the Calgary community and Vanessa Ladouceur’s loved ones, serving as a reminder of the long-lasting trauma caused by random acts of violence.

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Micheal Adenyi has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for 25 years after being found guilty of first-degree…

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