Crown seeks 5 years for dog owner convicted in 11-year-old's death

Sentencing is underway for Crystal MacDonald, convicted of criminal negligence causing death in the April 1, 2024 mauling of 11-year-old Kache Grist at her Summerside home.

The Crown is seeking five years in prison. MacDonald's defence is asking for three-and-a-half years of house arrest, arguing for a conditional sentence order that would allow her to serve in the community.

Kache was visiting his father, Wesley Grist, on spring break from British Columbia when MacDonald's two unneutered Cane Corsos—each weighing more than 100 pounds—attacked him. The dogs had previously bitten two people and killed a small dog and a cat.

Justice Eric Macklin found MacDonald evasive and defensive during trial testimony. "She consistently attempted to either cast blame elsewhere or minimize her own responsibilities and those of her two dogs," Macklin said. The judge found MacDonald failed to train the dogs properly or keep them on leash or chain when Kache was present, and that it was inappropriate for her to expect Wesley Grist alone to protect the boy from the animals.

Wesley Grist delivered a victim impact statement remotely from Yukon on Wednesday. "There are no words to explain what losing my son has done to me. Every morning I wake up remembering he's gone," he said. He added that every part of his life has changed since his son's death.

Grist told the court he never wanted revenge on MacDonald and did not believe she should go to prison. "I never wanted harm to come to her. I know she loved Kache deeply. In my heart, I do not believe Crystal acted with malice or intentional cruelty," he said.

MacDonald, now in British Columbia, said Wednesday she loved the boy and will spend the rest of her life loving and grieving him, wishing she could change what happened.

Sentencing is expected Thursday afternoon.