Klaus family critical of judge’s sentencing
Relatives of a woman murdered along with her husband and daughter are dismayed by the prison sentences given their killers.
“(T)he Berry family feels justice has not been served for Sandi, Gordon and Monica Klaus,” Grant Berry wrote in an email Thursday.
“While we have nothing but gratitude and respect for the entire investigation process and court proceedings to determine a first-degree murder conviction, an opportunity to ensure both Jason and Josh would never cause harm again was missed.”
Jason Klaus, 42, and Joshua Frank, 32, were sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years Wednesday. They were convicted of planning and carrying out the murders of Klaus’ father, mother and sister as they lay in their beds in their farmhouse near Castor in December 2013.
Crown prosecutors wanted the three convictions each for first-degree murder to be served consecutively, which would have boosted the parole eligibility period to 75 years, effectively ensuring both men would never leave prison.
In his decision, Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Eric Macklin concluded sentencing principles would be adequately covered by a life sentence with 25-year parole period.
Extending parole eligibility by 50 or 75 years would result in an outcome “unduly long and harsh,” he said.
Macklin said in his decision extending parole eligibility would likely remove any motivation to rehabilitate themselves.
The Berrys are not happy with the prospect of Klaus and Frank going before a parole board.
“Rehabilitation is a hopeful and considerate option and placing the responsibility of their release on the parole board does nothing other than put more stress and concern for the families.”
Klaus and Frank lied continuously through their trial and proved their ability to manipulate the system, say the Berrys.
“We believe both Jason and Josh showed remorse prior to sentencing, but unfortunately it could have been only short term for self-serving purposes.”
The family says it hopes rehabilitation is possible, but fear the two will only tell more lies to the parole board when the time comes.
“In less than 23 years, we will need to ensure our children and their children understand the risks and take all precautions to be safe from their cousin.”