Summary

A BC Supreme Court justice is set to determine the parole eligibility of Luke Anthony Sean Priddle, 27, who was convicted of second-degree murder for the brutal stabbing of 47-year-old Mathew Phillips in Tofino in December 2020. During a recent hearing, Crown prosecutor Lindsay Pearce argued for a 15-year minimum before Priddle could apply for parole, citing the extreme violence of the crime, while defense attorneys requested the minimum of 10 years. The court is expected to announce its decision next month, as the case has drawn significant attention from both the victim's and offender's supporters.

Details

NANAIMO — A BC Supreme Court justice is set to determine the parole eligibility of Luke Anthony Sean Priddle, a 27-year-old man convicted of second-degree murder, robbery, and theft of a motor vehicle in connection with a brutal homicide that occurred in late 2020. Priddle was found guilty of fatally stabbing 47-year-old Mathew Phillips of Tofino over 70 times during a drug-related dispute at Phillips' apartment on December 27, 2020. The violent altercation stemmed from Phillips demanding repayment of $300 owed for cocaine, leading to a confrontation that ended in tragedy.

During the trial, evidence revealed that Priddle inflicted 64 of the stab wounds to Phillips' head and neck, with the fatal blow severing critical arteries. The Crown prosecutor, Lindsay Pearce, described the sheer brutality of the attack as shocking, emphasizing that Priddle's actions were not only violent but also included a post-offense attempt to conceal evidence by returning to the crime scene. Pearce argued for a parole eligibility period of 15 years, while the defense requested the minimum of 10 years. Notably, eight of the twelve jurors recommended a 15-year eligibility period, reflecting the gravity of the crime.

The victim's family expressed their profound grief during the proceedings, with Michelle Phillips, Mathew's sister, recounting the devastating impact of her brother's murder. She described him as a kind and generous person who cared deeply for his community and the environment. The emotional testimonies highlighted the lasting effects of the crime on the victim's loved ones, with Michelle stating, "The details of the savageness of his death are unbearable. To viciously stab somebody 75 times is just unthinkable."

In contrast, Priddle's defense attorney, Dale Marshall, acknowledged the violent nature of the crime but argued that Priddle has shown significant personal growth since the incident. He noted that Priddle had completed a residential addiction treatment program and had been working full-time in the restaurant industry prior to his conviction. Marshall emphasized that Priddle's actions were impulsive and driven by acute cocaine intoxication, rather than premeditated. The court is expected to announce its decision on Priddle's parole eligibility next month, as the community awaits the outcome of this high-profile case.

Sources

• NanaimoNewsNOW: https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2025/08/21/parole-eligibility-debated-for-nanaimo-man-convicted-of-violent-cocaine-fueled-murder/