Family of N.S. student murdered in drug deal deliver impact statements in court

HALIFAX — A Nova Scotia judge heard victim impact statements today during a sentencing hearing for a former Halifax medical student who murdered a 22-year-old man during a drug deal.

William Sandeson had testified in his trial before a Nova Scotia Supreme Court jury that he killed physics student Taylor Samson in self-defence on Aug. 15, 2015, and dumped his body into a river. 

He was found guilty of second-degree murder on Feb. 18 after jurors deliberated for 23 hours.

Those convicted of second-degree murder face an automatic life sentence, but a judge can set parole eligibility between 10 and 25 years.