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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A shocking case unfolded in 2023 when Joseph Donald Skelly, 69, admitted to dismembering and burning the body of Treasa Lynn Oberly, a mother from Beaumont. Despite the gruesome nature of his crime, Skelly will not serve any time behind bars.
During a court appearance on Thursday, Skelly received a two-year conditional sentence. This sentence includes 12 months of full house arrest followed by 12 months with a curfew, with a 12-month probation period to follow.
The Tragic Incident
Oberly was reported missing on July 16, 2023, just two days after she was last seen. The RCMP later discovered her body on July 24, sparking a series of events that led to Skelly’s admission of guilt.
In December of the same year, Skelly pleaded guilty to causing indignity to Oberly’s dead body. This admission came after both he and his son were charged in connection to her death.
Victim Impact Statements
During the court proceedings, Oberly’s mother, Kay Zimath, delivered a heart-wrenching victim impact statement. She expressed her disbelief and shared her deep pain over the loss of her daughter.
Zimath’s statement to Skelly was poignant and powerful. “You will live with Satan when you die… I wish nothing but for you to be miserable for the rest of your life,” she said.
Details of the Crime
According to an agreed statement of facts presented in court, Skelly was intoxicated when his son arrived at his house with Oberly’s remains on July 15, 2023. The pair discussed disposing of the body to prevent identification by investigators.
Skelly ultimately dismembered and burned Oberly’s body before placing the ashes in a recycling bin. He then drove the remains to a rural area the next morning with the intent of avoiding discovery.
Legal Proceedings
Despite initially denying involvement, Skelly eventually admitted to the RCMP that he knew the location of Oberly’s remains. Through DNA analysis, Oberly was able to be positively identified.
The Crown sought a sentence of three-and-a-half years for Skelly, citing the aggravating factors of the case. However, the defence argued for a two-year conditional sentence without jail time.
Personal History and Apology
Court records revealed that Skelly had no prior criminal history before this incident. Born and raised in Ontario, he worked as a manager at Costco. Skelly turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism after the deaths of his wife and parents.
In a letter read in court, Skelly expressed deep remorse for his actions. “From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely apologize. I will never ever forgive myself for my actions. I will not drink again,” he wrote.
Continuing Legal Proceedings
While Skelly has received his sentence, Oberly’s boyfriend and the father of her child, Kenneth Joseph Skelly, still faces a charge of second-degree murder in connection to her death.
The tragic events surrounding Treasa Lynn Oberly’s death have left a community in mourning and a family grappling with profound loss. As the legal process continues, the impact of this case reverberates throughout Beaumont and beyond.
With this latest development in the case, the search for justice and closure for Treasa Lynn Oberly’s loved ones continues.
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