Crystal MacDonald trial: Edmonton woman whose dogs killed child sentenced to house arrest

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeCrimeLocal News Crystal MacDonald trial: Edmonton woman whose dogs killed child sentenced to house arrest Court of King's Bench Justice Eric Macklin said a conditional sentence, including curfews and house arrest, would adequately denounce MacDonald's crimes Author of the article: By Jonny Wakefield Published Sep 03, 2026 Last updated 7 hours ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Crystal MacDonald is stopped by police as she arrives at her home following the mauling death of Kache Grist, 11. Grist, the son of MacDonald's roommate, was bitten to death by MacDonald's Cane Corso dogs April 1, 2024. She was convicted of criminal negligence in his death. PHOTO BY SUPPLIED PHOTO/COURT EXHIBIT Article content A one-time Edmonton resident whose dogs killed an 11-year-old boy has been sentenced to two years of house arrest, rather than the prison sentence sought by prosecutors. Article content Crystal Jean MacDonald, 46, stared straight ahead and wiped her eyes with a tissue as Court of King’s Bench Justice Eric Macklin sentenced her Thursday for criminal negligence in the 2024 death of Kache Grist. Article content Article content Article content Kache, the son of MacDonald’s roommate, was visiting his dad when MacDonald’s Cane Corsos attacked him. The dogs, Khaos and Khairo, had grown increasingly violent in the months leading up to the attack, killing two smaller pets and injuring three people including MacDonald herself. 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 Crown prosecutors had asked MacDonald serve five years in prison, arguing she had ample warning the dogs were dangerous but refused to have them euthanized. Article content The defence sought a conditional sentence order, including house arrest, citing MacDonald’s lack of criminal record and the fact she had taken steps — albeit inadequate ones — to protect Kache from the dogs. Article content Article content Macklin said a conditional sentence would adequately denounce her crimes. While she won’t be in jail, Macklin said her liberty would be “severely restricted.” Article content “Even in seemingly egregious circumstances, courts have not been reluctant to impose sentences…