A Perth father will spend at least 20 years behind bars over the meth-fuelled stabbing murder of the mother of his two children.
Steven James Alan Dean, 38, will spend a minimum of 20 years behind bars for the horrific DV slaying of Emmerich Laseker, 35, at the family’s home in Kewdale in April 17, 2023.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Steven Dean sentenced over Kewdale DV murder.
The court heard that Dean was on meth and flew into a fit of rage, holding his partner down and punching her in the face in front of their horrified 14-year-old daughter.
The court heard the teen had tried to protect her mother and ran to call police.
While she was in another room, Dean stabbed Laseker 13 times with a kitchen knife.
Another child, aged seven at the time, was also inside the home during the attack.
Dean previously admitted to the murder and also pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated armed robbery, aggravated home burglary and reckless driving over other incidents on the same evening.
Dean was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, with a minimum term of 20 years.
Laseker’s sister Diana is now raising her nieces and said the term was not enough.
“Nothing can bring my sister back,” she said. “It’s going to be like this for our whole life. Nothing’s going to change, just keeps going.”
The court heard that the oldest daughter struggles to understand what unfolded before her eyes and that she worries about her younger sister without their mother’s unconditional love.
Diana said: “(We’re just) trying to survive. Wake up and keep doing the right thing and teach these two kids that violence is not good.”
Dean will be eligible for parole when he is 57-years-old.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491