Trans killer’s sentencing delayed

The sentencing hearing for a deported Californian who pleaded guilty to manslaughter this spring in the 2003 death of a transgendered Vancouver prostitute has been adjourned again.

The hearing was initially set for Apr 15, then adjourned to Jun 21. It has now been re-scheduled for July.

In a statement of fact, Jatin Patel told the BC Supreme Court in March that he picked up Shelby Tracey Tom, 40, after being released from US custody and returning to Canada on May 27, 2003.

Taking her to a North Vancouver hotel, Patel was performing oral sex on Tom when he realized she was transgendered. Enraged, he assaulted and killed her.

His sentencing hearing is now scheduled to begin Jul 26 at 10 am in BC Supreme Court at 800 Smithe St.

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