The two-day sentencing hearing for Carlos Guerra Guerra, 23, concluded late Tuesday afternoon in London, where the man convicted of killing 18-year-old Josue Silva at a bush party in 2021 offered an apology to the victim’s family.

In court, Guerra Guerra expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am from the bottom of my heart sorry for their loss.” However, he also took issue with the jury’s guilty verdict, telling Justice Patricia Moore, “I’m disappointed with their conclusion… Your honour, I’m not a cold-hearted killer.”

The court heard that Silva was attending a bush party off Pack Road in south London in July 2021, along with approximately 150 other teenagers, when a confrontation over a spilled drink escalated, leading to Silva’s fatal shooting. Guerra Guerra emphasized that he did not plan to use the firearm when he arrived at the party, explaining, “I want everybody to know, I never had any intention of using that gun when I walked into that party.”

During the hearing, Guerra Guerra disclosed that he now takes medication for depression, and his defense team argued that his mental health played a role in the tragic incident.

Guerra Guerra faces an automatic life sentence due to his second-degree murder conviction. The judge will soon decide how long he must serve before being eligible for parole. The Crown has recommended 20 years, while Guerra Guerra’s defense lawyer, Ricardo Golec, has requested a 12-year period, arguing, “This is the criminal justice system, not the criminal vengeance system.”

Justice Moore is set to deliver her sentencing decision on April 28.