Mother, uncle sentenced for beating man to death during family camping trip

WARNING: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence.

The mother and uncle of an eastern Ontario man have each been sentenced to years in prison for beating him to death during a family camping trip last year that turned into a "violent nightmare."

Tyler Webber, 22, was killed at a campground near Bishop Lake, about 100 kilometres north of Kingston, Ont., on July 29, 2023.

On Tuesday, Cory Finch, 40 — Webber's uncle — was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Michelle Finch, 43 — Webber's mother — was sentenced to eight.

With credit for time served they're set to spend just under eight and six years behind bars, respectively.

Sister describes loss of 'best big brother'

Victim impact statements were read in court Tuesday, including from Webber's sister Emily who called him the "best big brother anyone could have asked for."

She described his smile that could light up a room, his laugh that filled the world with joy, and his hugs that would "make you feel like everything's going to be OK."

This was supposed to be a happy, fun, family camping weekend, and it turned into a violent nightmare.- Assistant Crown attorney Greg Skerkowski

"I'll never get any of that ever again, because those people took that from me," she said.

Michelle Finch wore a red peacoat in court, her hair in a tight bun, and could be seen crying at points. Cory Finch wore a burgundy windbreaker and hoodie, and largely stared straight ahead. The siblings sat at opposite ends of the prisoner's box, as far away from each other as possible given the small space.

Asked by Justice Larry O'Brien if they had anything to say, Cory replied no, while Michelle stated she wished it had been she who died instead of her son.

Court heard the attack happened following a day of heavy drinking, and that Cory and Michelle Finch were both intoxicated when a group of family and friends tried to start a cooking fire around 6 p.m.

While some collected firewood, Webber got into an argument with his mother. At some point he either stumbled into or pushed Cory Finch's daughter, according to the agreed statement of facts, which notes it's unclear whether the collision was intentional or an accident.

Court heard Michelle Finch told her brother it was a push, enraging him. He attacked Webber, punching his nephew multiple times in the face.

After Webber fell to the ground, his uncle straddled his chest and continued striking his face, while Michelle Finch yelled "this is what happens when you hit women" and kicked her son's head multiple times, according to court documents.

When other family members tried to intervene, some of them were struck. After retreating to safety, they ran to the next campsite and borrowed a phone to call 911.

A family trip that became a 'nightmare'

According to the agreed statement of facts, Michelle Finch told police Webber had arrived at the site with severe injuries, but that she'd been in her tent so hadn't seen what happened. Cory Finch also told officers he'd been in his tent.

Webber was pronounced dead at 7:04 p.m. Just over 10 minutes later, based on witness accounts, Cory and Michelle Finch were arrested for murder.

An autopsy found the cause of death was pressure on Webber's chest, meaning he couldn't breathe. There was also evidence of multiple blunt force injuries to his head and face, including a tooth that had been knocked out and was found in Webber's stomach.

"This was supposed to be a happy, fun, family camping weekend, and it turned into a violent nightmare," said assistant Crown attorney Greg Skerkowski.

"The fact that he's beaten to death by his own mother and his uncle ... is aggravating," he said, arguing for the eight- and 10-year sentences that the judge ultimately accepted.

The pair were initially charged with second-degree murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in September.

Decision will 'haunt' mother, lawyer says

Cory Finch's defence lawyer Jason Easton said his client acknowledges he's an alcoholic, adding his actions were a "spur of the moment" reaction and he's since expressed remorse. He suggested Finch should receive a sentence of six years less time served.

Michelle Finch's lawyer pointed out witnesses had seen her attempting to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on Webber after the attack.

"Her decision to ... kick her son rather than step in and help him is going to haunt her and this family for the rest of their days," said Matthew Hodgson. 

He called for a five- to six-year sentence, explaining that Michelle Finch hasn't spoken with anyone in her family since her son's death and will live with her actions in the "cell" of her mind for the rest of her life.

O'Brien described it as a "very unique case" and "hopefully not to reoccur anywhere." He said the standout feature of the case was the trust between mother and son that was "violently violated" that day.

During such a "ferocious" attack a child doesn't need their parent to join in, the judge said: "He needs his mom to intervene."