Calgary

Man who fatally stabbed Alpha House client with scissors pleads to manslaughter

A Calgary man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a fight that took place outside Alpha House.

Kyle Bearhat fatally stabbed Craig Cutter in 2018

Craig Cutter, left, died when he was fatally stabbed by Kyle Bearhat on May 27, 2018. (thomsfuneralhome.com/Calgary Police Service)

A Calgary man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a fight that took place outside Alpha House.

Kyle Bearhat stabbed Craig Cutter in the abdomen with a pair of scissors on May 27, 2018.

Cutter died in hospital two hours later.

Witnesses said Cutter and Bearhat had been in a fight.

According to an agreed statement of facts filed as part of the guilty plea, all of the witnesses told investigators they had been intoxicated at the time of the altercation.

Alpha House, located in Victoria Park, was created as a place of safety for those struggling with addictions, offering shelter and various programs.

Five days after Cutter's death, Bearhat was arrested by police.

During an interview with investigators, Bearhat confessed but said the stabbing was self-defence and he'd only meant to scare Cutter.

Court of Queen's Bench Justice Robert Hall will hear sentencing submissions from prosecutor Donna Spaner and defence lawyer Gloria Froese next year.