Peacha Atkinson is preparing to face her living nightmare all over again.
In a Court of Appeal decision released Tuesday, a man convicted of killing her 13-year-old daughter has won a new trial.
“I’m so angry,” she said. “How dare he put us through this again.”
Joseph Laboucan, 23, was found guilty in the brutal slaying of 13-year-old Nina Courtepatte, whose battered body was found on a west-end golf course on April 3, 2005.
Laboucan is serving a life sentence for his part in the killing. He has maintained his innocence from the day he was arrested.
Though Atkinson said she’s confident the verdict will be the same if a new trial is scheduled, she’s dreading the process, which she feels will be the most difficult yet. “It’s going to be worse because more punches will be brought out this time. More artillery is going to be used this time.”
Five people were tried in the horrific murder. Stephanie Bird, Michael Williams, Joseph Laboucan and a girl who was 17 at the time of the crime known only as “Buffy” were all handed life sentences for their part in the crime. The only person acquitted, Michael Briscoe, is also facing a new trial.
“I’m so tired,” she said through tears. “I want it to be over. We’re reliving our nightmare.”
