Jeffrey Kraft, 20, of Lacombe, died last December after suffering a gunshot wound during an altercation in Lacombe. (Supplied)

By Sheldon Spackman

Justice Not Served, family says

Family of Lacombe murder victim ‘disgusted’ with justice system

Nov 25, 2020 | 3:05 PM

A central Alberta family is expressing its disgust with Canada’s justice system after a woman co-accused in the death of a family member had her charges withdrawn.

The family of Jeffery Kraft, a 20-year-old man from Ponoka who passed away on Dec. 15, 2019 following injuries sustained from a gunshot wound, says they are disheartened and angry with the Crown’s recent decision to drop charges against Amie Rogers.

The 22-year-old woman was facing counts of second-degree murder, robbery with a firearm, and conspiracy to commit, in relation to the incident. The counts were withdrawn after a preliminary hearing was held on Monday to determine if her case had enough evidence to go to trial.

“Basically, we were blindsided when the Crown announced the withdrawal of her charges,” the Kraft family told rdnewsNOW in a statememt. “The Crown may not have worked to prove her guilt, but Jeff’s blood will always be on her hands.”

Tyler John Campbell, 28, of Lacombe was also charged with second-degree murder, robbery with a firearm, and conspiracy to commit.

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However, he waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Red Deer provincial court on Nov. 16 and instead pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a firearm. His case returns to court for sentencing submissions on Jan. 29, 2021.

The Kraft family says Campbell’s guilty plea to a lesser charge offers little satisfaction.

“We feel it still should have been second-degree murder, as this was planned,” they say.

Caitlin Kraft, Jeffery’s sister, says they feel Canada’s justice system works for criminals, not for victims.

“The system needs to be revamped to hold criminals responsible for their crimes,” she said. “All too often, violent criminals are being let-off with lenient sentences while the victim’s family is left picking up the pieces. Knowing there are not serious consequences, they often reoffend.”

Kraft feels her brother’s murder could have been avoided if Canada’s justice system and judges weren’t so soft on crime.

“It is not fair Tyler and Amie get to spend every day with their families while we, Jeff’s family, mourn his loss and visit him at the cemetery,” the family points out. “We feel there has been no justice served in this case. His loss has left a huge hole in our hearts and lives. A parent should never have to bury their child.”

The Kraft family says Jeffery was a handsome, smart, kind, caring, gentle, hardworking young man with a bright future ahead of him.

“He was the type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. I want the community to remember him as an amazing son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He had a smile that could light up a room; and if he was this way at 20, imagine what he could have become.”

As the first anniversary of Jeffery’s death approaches, the family laments they are now facing their second Christmas without him.

“What would normally be a joyous and happy time of year for us has turned into sadness and heartache. We struggle to get through every day. It’s still hard to believe he is no longer with us. It’s like we are living in a nightmare on repeat.”