Results for: Victim Impact Statements

Taylor Yaremchuk, a Sherwood Park resident, has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a drunk driving collision that resulted in the deaths of Jim and Annie Macdonald. On August 14, 2022, Yaremchuk admitted to drinking alcohol and driving his vehicle, subsequently colliding head-on with the Macdonalds’ motorcycle on Highway 628. The incident sadly resulted in the fatalities of the couple. Yaremchuk has already served a portion of his sentence, and he is prohibited from driving for seven years.

A Brisbane Supreme Court hearing has heard the tragic story of a baby’s drowning in February 2021. The Crown prosecutor described how the mother of the seven-month-old girl, Lavinia Alison Murray, left her unattended in a bathtub, resulting in the child’s death. Murray pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, suspended after serving 12 months in custody. Victim impact statements from Trinity’s father and paternal grandmother spoke of the devastating loss and impact on their lives.

A judge has denied Adam Montgomery’s request to be excused from his May 9, 2024 sentencing for the murder of his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony. Montgomery was convicted of second-degree murder and other charges in March. The state filed a motion to require his presence at sentencing, citing a law that mandates defendants to be present for victim impact statements. Montgomery’s attorney argued he maintains his innocence but the judge ruled that his appearance is required. The jury found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and he has asserted no other factual basis for excusal. Montgomery’s absence from his trial prompted lawmakers to consider a bill requiring defendants to be present for verdicts and sentencing in class A felony cases.