By David Wiwchar

Dittmer sentenced

Feb 16, 2024 | 3:52 PM

The 64-year old mother who fatally shot her son in their shared home, was given the mandatory minimum sentence of 4 years in prison.

Samantha Dittmer maintained at her sentencing hearing today that her finger did not touch the trigger of the rifle she was pointing at 37-year old Jesse McPhee, and it was his actions that caused the gun to go off, killing him instantly in August 2021.

BC Supreme Court Justice Fleming said she believes Dittmer pulled the trigger, but agreed the shooting was more by accident than intent, and said the case was essentially about the careless use of a firearm by someone not trained or licenced to use a gun.