Toronto Woman Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

0:00A Toronto woman has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after fatally stabbing her live-in partner during a heated argument in their West End Basement, apartment last February. Maria Rivera, 44, admitted to the killing of Palomota, who died from a chest wound three days after the incident on February 20th, 2025. The trouble started during a party in their unit with another couple, where everyone was using cocaine and Rivera had also been drinking alcohol. These turned physical around 2.30 a.m. on February 21st, when Rivera grabbed a steak knife amid the dispute, leading to modus collapse. From heavy bleeding, Rivera's parents showed up together in court to support her, even though they'd been separated for years. She stayed expressionless in the prisoner's box as the facts were read out. Neighbors upstairs had banged on the floor earlier, due to the loud fight. Police found the bloody knife with Rivera's fingerprint on the handle after she gave conflicting stories to 9-1-1 operators and officers at the bus, seen.

1:01Mota underwent emergency surgery, but didn't survive. Crown and defense lawyers have agreed on a sentencing recommendation set for later this spring. With no mandatory minimum for manslaughter, Rivera faces up to life in prison and possible deportation as a landed immigrant. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news.