Jack Sepple, 23, admitted killing Ashley Wadsworth, 19, at Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex, about two hours north-east of London. Christy Gendron, Wadsworth’s mother, didn’t sleep as she waited to learn the details of Sepple’s hearing. Gendron said she received a phone call from someone who was in court telling her Sepple had pleaded guilty, which was a shock to her as she planned to travel to England for the trial. “So shocked,” she told CTV News Vancouver. “Relieved not to have a long trial as that was pretty horrific. And then, it was bittersweet because it doesn’t bring back our Ashley. So even though we might get a big penalty, it doesn’t bring her back.” In a statement, Det. Scott Egerton wrote, “The evidence against Sepple is so overwhelming that he had little choice but to plead guilty.” Gedron said her daughter had a six-month visa to visit Sheple and was supposed to return home in April. In one of Wadsworth’s latest Facebook posts, she uploaded photos of herself and Sepple at various tourist locations, calling it an “amazing trip to London.” Wadsworth’s best friend, Tianna Kowalchuk, said Wadsworth’s death came as a shock because she never revealed what was going on behind the smiles. “She was texting me and sending me pictures and she looked happy in the pictures,” Kowalchuk said. “She was excited to come home and even wanted to come visit him in Canada eventually.” But Wadsworth confided in her older sister and mother and revealed she was ready to come home sooner than expected. “She obviously wasn’t happy,” Gedron said. He could not discuss the details as the case is still before the courts. He revealed on February 1 that he helped Wadsworth buy a ticket home for February 3. He was killed the day he got a new plane ticket. “I just hope her story brings awareness to domestic violence issues,” Gendron said. “If any girl or boy fears for their safety… I hope this story can save someone’s life and they will take steps to reach out.” Sepp will be sentenced next month. Gendron plans to be there for the sentencing hearing to give her victim impact statement and visit with those who have supported her family. With files from The Canadian Press
