By Sheldon Spackman

New Sentencing Submissions

Sentencing delayed in fatal Lacombe shooting

Nov 16, 2021 | 3:02 PM

New sentencing submissions were made in Red Deer provincial court today for a man charged in the fatal shooting of a young Ponoka man in Lacombe nearly two years ago.

Tyler John Campbell, 29, is charged with manslaughter with a firearm in the shooting death of 20-year-old Jeffery Kraft.

Kraft passed away on Dec. 15, 2019 following injuries sustained from a gunshot wound in what has been described in court as an accidental shooting over an alleged debt.

Campbell had earlier pled guilty, but after a joint submission from the Crown and defence of a seven-year prison term being twice rejected by Judge Jim Hunter, Campbell applied to strike his guilty plea. That application was denied by Justice C.K.W. Thietke on Oct. 1.

Although a sentence was initially anticipated Nov. 16, Judge Hunter heard new sentencing submissions from new Crown prosecutor Dominique Mathurin and new defence lawyer Rod Clark who both agreed with the previous joint submission of a seven year sentence for Campbell. The previous joint submission was made by Crown prosecutor Ed Ring and defence lawyer Michael Scrase, now a provincial court judge.

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Twelve victim impact statements were also presented in court Nov. 16, with Judge Hunter hearing first-hand the impact of Kraft’s death on his family, including on that of his mother, father and sister, among other relatives.

Through her statement, Kraft’s mother Carrie Cocke told Campbell, who appeared through CCTV, that his actions have destroyed her.

“This anguish will never go away. I will never forgive you for what you have done. Never again will I celebrate life.”

Kraft’s father Allen echoed those same sentiments, calling Campbell a coward.

“The two of you (Campbell and his co-accused Amie Rogers who was discharged Nov. 16, 2020) don’t deserve the air you breathe or the ground you walk on. I hope you both rot and burn in Hell.”

Kraft’s sister Caitlin also had harsh words for Campbell through her victim impact statement, saying learning of her brother’s death was the worst day of her life.

“My brother was a kind, caring, smart, and gentle young man. He had so much life left to live and goals to achieve. Not only did you rob him of his life, but you robbed us of having him in ours.”

When offered the opportunity to address court, Campbell said he was really sorry for what happened.

“I know my words won’t mean much to you guys, but I’m going to live with it the rest of my life.”

Campbell’s case returns to court Nov. 19, where it’s anticipated a new sentencing date will be set.