Boy's Death Sparks Criminal Negligence Trial
Crown argues Edmonton dog owner failed to restrain animals that killed 11-year-old Kache Grist in April 2024.
An Edmonton woman is on trial for criminal negligence after two Cane Corsos she owned attacked and killed an 11-year-old boy in April 2024. Kache Grist died following the incident, and prosecutors are now arguing that Crystal MacDonald didn't do enough to prevent the attack or protect the child.
Security camera footage from February 2024 shows the same two dogs attacking another resident, Tina Kelepouris, on MacDonald's property. That earlier incident, the Crown contends, should have been a clear warning sign—a moment for MacDonald to take action and secure the animals.
"Someone else's problem," the Crown said in court, characterizing MacDonald's apparent indifference to the risks her dogs posed. The prosecution is building a case that goes beyond simple negligence, arguing instead that her failure to act after the first attack—combined with keeping dangerous animals accessible—constitutes criminal-level carelessness.
The trial highlights how seriously Alberta courts are treating animal-related deaths and the liability that owners carry. It's also a painful reminder of how quickly a child's life can change, and how those charged with keeping dangerous animals are expected to understand and act on the warnings.