A Nova Scotia man, William Ray Best, who was serving a life sentence for a crime he committed as a teenager, has died in prison. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) announced that Best passed away on August 10 at the Dorchester Penitentiary in New Brunswick. While the cause of his death remains undisclosed, the CSC has stated that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is underway.
The Crime:
William Ray Best was convicted in 2005 for the second-degree murder of John Wyllie. The incident occurred during a home invasion and robbery in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia, when Best was just 18 years old. Best, along with an accomplice, Joseph Charles Dawson, forced their way into Wyllie’s home with the intent to steal. During the invasion, Best stabbed Wyllie to death using a long-bladed knife. According to the evidence presented at the trial, the crime was motivated by drugs.
The Impact of Drugs on Young Lives
At the sentencing, then-chief justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, Joseph Kennedy, addressed the broader issue of how drugs are affecting young people in society. He spoke about the growing number of young individuals who are struggling with issues such as lack of discipline, poor education, and moral direction. He described their lives as being dominated by drugs, violence, and poor decisions, which often lead to tragic outcomes like the one involving Best and his victim.
Sentencing and Parole
As a result of his crime, Best was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 18 years to be served before he could apply for parole. However, due to the time he had already spent in jail while awaiting trial, Best was credited with three years, reducing the time before he could seek parole to 15 years.
Ongoing Investigation
The CSC’s announcement of Best’s death mentioned that a review of the circumstances surrounding his death is currently taking place. The outcome of this review may shed more light on what happened, though no further details have been provided as of now.
Conclusion
William Ray Best’s story is a tragic reminder of how drugs can influence young lives and lead to devastating consequences. His death in prison marks the end of a life marred by violence and poor decisions, but it also serves as a sobering reflection on the issues that continue to plague society today.
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