Crown seeks 5 years for Edmonton woman whose dogs fatally mauled boy

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeCrimeLocal News Crown seeks 5 years for Edmonton woman whose dogs fatally mauled boy Kache Grist, 11, was fatally mauled while alone with MacDonald's Cane Corsos April 1, 2024 Author of the article: By Jonny Wakefield Published Sep 02, 2026 2 minute read Join the conversation A photo of one of Crystal MacDonald's Cane Corsos on her refrigerator. Kache Grist, 11, was killed by the dogs on April 1, 2024. PHOTO BY SUPPLIED Article content If Crown prosecutors have their way, the Edmonton woman whose dogs killed an 11-year-old boy will serve five years in prison. Article content Sentencing began Wednesday afternoon in the case of Crystal MacDonald, who was convicted of criminal negligence earlier this year for the death of Kache Grist. Article content Article content Grist, the son of MacDonald’s roommate, was fatally mauled while alone with MacDonald’s Cane Corsos April 1, 2024. The youth was visiting his father from B.C. Article content Article content At trial, MacDonald claimed she tried to contain the dogs and get them into training after a series of earlier attacks. Court of King’s Bench Justice Eric Macklin, however, was not convinced she had done enough. Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “Throughout her testimony, I generally found the accused to be evasive and defensive whenever her actions were questioned,” Macklin said. “She consistently attempted to either cast blame elsewhere or minimize her own responsibilities and those of her two dogs.” Article content “She was cavalier in suggesting that she could rely on others to follow her rules or to otherwise do what was necessary to protect others.” Article content Wednesday’s sentencing hearing began with a victim impact statement from Wes Grist, Kache’s father, who spoke remotely from the Yukon. Article content Grist said he never wanted “revenge” on MacDonald and said he didn’t believe she should go to prison. Article content “I never wanted harm to come to her. I know she loved Kache deeply,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion. “In my heart, I do not believe Crystal acted with malice or intentional cruelty.” Article content Grist said every part of his…