Sentencing underway for dog owner convicted in death of 11-year-old Kache Grist

Crystal MacDonald was convicted of criminal negligence causing death after her two cane corsos, Khaos and Kairo, fatally attacked 11-year-old Kache Grist on April 1, 2024, at her home in south Edmonton's Summerside neighbourhood. Sentencing is underway, with the judge expected to render a decision Thursday afternoon.

Kache, who lived in Osoyoos, B.C., was staying at MacDonald's house for spring break. MacDonald was the roommate of Kache's father. Prior to the fatal attack, Khaos and Kairo had injured two people and killed a cat and a Pomeranian. An autopsy found Kache died from bite injuries to the neck. Both dogs were euthanized following the incident.

During Wednesday's sentencing hearing, Crown prosecutor Anders Quist sought five years in prison. Defence lawyer Evan McIntyre requested a conditional sentence to be served at home in Penticton, B.C.

MacDonald addressed the court Wednesday, saying "no sentence could weigh on her more heavily than Kache's death." She described the moment she saw Lego creations in the family's Osoyoos home: "They were still sitting there, and in that moment I was confronted by everything he had created, and everything he would never be able to create."

Kache's father, Wesley Grist, told the court he does not want MacDonald imprisoned. He said MacDonald loved his son and that both of them will have to live with the burden of the death. MacDonald testified she repeatedly told Kache's father not to leave the boy alone with her dogs.

Justice Eric Macklin found MacDonald showed a "wanton disregard" for the boy's life and safety. He noted that criminal negligence is "extremely difficult" to sentence, with potential sentences ranging from no jail time to life in prison.

The judge reserved his sentencing decision until Thursday afternoon.