The accused in a Vernon motel manslaughter case will be sentenced in May.
Paige Howse had originally been charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of 34-year-old Kelowna woman Alishia Lemp, whose body was found at the Best Value Inn and Suites on 32nd Street Feb. 28, 2020.
Howse pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter at the Vernon courthouse on Sept. 27, 2023.
After a Vernon court appearance on Monday, Howse had her sentencing hearing scheduled for May 17, confirmed Dan McLaughlin, communications counsel with the BC Prosecution Service.
Howse was arrested by the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit in Surrey on Sept. 24, 2021. She was formally charged the same day.
Prior to the guilty plea, Howse was set to stand trial by judge and jury on Oct. 20, 2023.
Howse’s court records show she has previously faced weapon charges and charges of arson and motor vehicle theft. She has made appearances in Vancouver, Kamloops and Vernon courts.
An obituary for Lemp describes her as an extroverted and adventurous young woman who loved to travel, “especially with her beloved Yorkie, Soup.”
READ MORE: Accused enters guilty plea to lesser charge in Vernon motel murder
READ MORE: Admissibility of evidence tested ahead of North Okanagan murder trial
