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.

Micheal Adenyi has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for 25 years after being found guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Vanessa Ladouceur in downtown Calgary in 2022. The jury rejected Adenyi’s defence that he was not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder, following a violent attack near Ladouceur’s residence that resulted in her death from multiple stab wounds. The sentencing, delivered on June 19, 2025, emphasized the severity of the crime and its profound impact on Ladouceur’s family and the broader community.

The Crime and Trial

On March 18, 2022, Vanessa Ladouceur, a fitness instructor in Calgary, was fatally stabbed in a random attack carried out by Michael Adenyi. According to court records, Adenyi followed Ladouceur for nearly two blocks before launching an unprovoked assault. He inflicted multiple stab wounds, including six to her face, causing fatal blood loss on the spot. During the attack, Adenyi also injured himself.

At the trial, Adenyi’s defense presented a case that he was suffering from a psychotic episode linked to schizophrenia. They claimed Adenyi believed he was fighting imaginary creatures, not a human being. Evidence included medical history of hallucinations and use of antipsychotic medications. In contrast, Crown prosecutors argued that Adenyi was fully aware his actions were unlawful and deliberately deceived law enforcement and mental health professionals to evade criminal liability.

The jury reviewed graphic evidence such as two notebooks containing violent writings and internet search histories related to human anatomy and blood loss. After 12 hours of deliberation following a five-week trial, the jury rejected the defense of not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder. Michael Adenyi was found guilty of first-degree murder.

Sentencing and Victim Impact

On June 19, 2025, Justice Jane Sidnell sentenced Adenyi to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole for 25 years. The judge characterized the killing as a “heinous crime against a stranger who was simply walking to work.” She acknowledged the profound pain suffered by Vanessa Ladouceur’s family and friends as a result of this tragic act.

During the sentencing hearing, Vanessa’s mother, Erika Ladouceur, read a victim impact statement. She expressed deep sorrow and described the trauma of identifying her daughter’s body. Mrs. Ladouceur condemned the attack and expressed a hope that Adenyi remains imprisoned, stating that he should be reminded of Vanessa’s face whenever he looks at his own scars.

Legal Aftermath

Alongside the life sentence, Justice Sidnell imposed a lifetime firearms prohibition on Michael Adenyi. While he will be eligible to apply for full parole in March 2047, the Parole Board of Canada has the authority to deny any request for release.

This sentencing brings closure to a case that has deeply affected the Calgary community and emphasized the enduring trauma caused by random acts of violence. Vanessa Ladouceur’s death remains a somber reminder of the need for public safety and justice.

The sentencing of Michael Adenyi marks a significant resolution to a tragic and violent incident that deeply impacted Vanessa Ladouceur’s family and the Calgary community. The court’s decision to impose life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for 25 years underscores the gravity of the crime and affirms the justice system’s commitment to addressing such serious offenses. With additional measures such as a lifetime firearms prohibition, the ruling aims to protect the public while providing a measure of closure to those affected. As the community continues to reflect on the consequences of this case, it serves as an important reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in public safety and the support of victims’ families.