Serena Tobaccojuice Sentenced to 12 More Months for Hostage Act

UPDATE: A 43-year-old convicted murderer, Serena Tobaccojuice, has just been sentenced to an additional 12 months in prison for unlawfully confining two correctional guards at the Nova Institution for Women in Truro, Nova Scotia. The ruling comes as her lengthy history of violence and incarceration continues to spark debate about the treatment of Indigenous offenders in Canada.

In a decision handed down on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Judge Ian Hutchison emphasized the serious nature of the offense, which occurred on October 26, 2022, when Tobaccojuice blocked the exit of her prison unit, threatening guards with a weapon fashioned from tweezers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the guards during this tense incident.

Tobaccojuice, also known as Serena Nicotine, has been incarcerated since she was a teenager, serving a life sentence for a murder committed at age 15. Her criminal history includes multiple hostage-takings and assaults within the prison system, raising urgent concerns about security and rehabilitation.

During sentencing, Judge Hutchison acknowledged the “difficult read” of Tobaccojuice’s experiences, which include long periods in segregation and a troubled childhood marked by violence and systemic racism. He noted the significance of a Gladue report, which examines the background and experiences of Indigenous offenders, and expressed concerns over the overrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in Canadian prisons.

Prosecutors had sought a three-year sentence, while the defense argued for leniency, proposing an absolute discharge. Judge Hutchison ultimately rejected this argument, stressing the need for a sentence that balances deterrence and rehabilitation. “The sentence imposed must ensure Ms. Tobaccojuice can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he stated, while also highlighting the seriousness of the offense committed against prison guards.

In an interview after the verdict, Tobaccojuice’s lawyer, Jeremiah Raining Bird, expressed disappointment with the sentence, emphasizing that systemic racism plays a significant role in the treatment of Indigenous offenders. He argued that Tobaccojuice does not pose a danger to society and should not remain incarcerated for life.

As one of Canada’s longest-serving female inmates, Tobaccojuice’s case raises critical questions about how the justice system addresses the needs and backgrounds of Indigenous individuals. With her eligibility for parole dating back to 2018, her future remains uncertain as she continues to serve her life sentence.

The public and advocacy groups are closely monitoring this case, as it sheds light on broader issues of justice reform and the treatment of vulnerable populations within the Canadian prison system. The implications of this ruling are likely to resonate beyond the courtroom, prompting discussions about the future of rehabilitation and justice for Indigenous peoples in Canada.

As developments continue to unfold, all eyes are on the parole board, which will ultimately determine Tobaccojuice’s future behind bars.