56-year-old James Province of Sarnia has been found guilty of first degree murder in the death of his estranged wife in September 2012.
Over a dozen family and friends of Joanne Underhill looked on as the jury delivered its verdict around 7:30pm Tuesday at Sarnia courthouse. Province had originally pleaded guilty to manslaughter but the jury of six men and six women, after several hours of deliberation, unanimously agreed his actions on the night of September 7, 2012 were premeditated.
The 50-year-old Underhill, a mother of three, died of a stab wound in her Twin Lakes Dr. home. Joanne's brother-in-law, Mark Widner, says the family is relieved by the decision. [audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/witner-relief.mp3"][/audio]
First degree murder carries a sentence of life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 15, 2016 at which time the court will hear victim impact statements.
