Crystal MacDonald knew her dogs were dangerous. A judge has now ruled she didn't do nearly enough about it.
On May 22, Alberta Court of King's Bench Justice Eric Macklin found MacDonald, 46, guilty of criminal negligence causing death in the April 1, 2024 fatal mauling of 11-year-old Kache Grist. MacDonald began shaking and briefly left the courtroom as the verdict became clear, with her lawyer describing it as a medical episode.
Kache was visiting his father, Wesley Grist, during spring break. His father was MacDonald's roommate at her south Edmonton home. Kache had been living with his mother in British Columbia since late 2023. He was 11 years old.
What the Judge Found
Macklin's ruling was unambiguous. He found MacDonald showed a wanton and reckless disregard for Kache's safety, and said she consistently deflected blame onto others rather than taking real steps to protect anyone around her animals.
"Throughout her testimony, I generally found the accused to be evasive and defensive whenever her actions were questioned," Macklin said. "She consistently attempted to either cast blame elsewhere and minimize her own responsibilities."
The judge said MacDonald's approach posting warning signs, keeping dogs in kennels, and verbally telling roommates not to have visitors wasn't enough given what she already knew about the animals. He pointed out that trusted handlers had been present during every prior attack and none of them had been able to stop the dogs. Verbal rules, he concluded, were no substitute for physical action.
A Pattern of Attacks
The history of MacDonald's two Cane Corsos, named Khaos and Khairo, was central to the case. In the nine months before Kache's death, the dogs had injured three adults and killed two pets. One victim, Tina Kelepouris, spent four days in hospital with three broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and more than a dozen stitches. From her hospital bed she texted MacDonald directly: the dogs were going to kill someone.
MacDonald testified she had plans to neuter and train the more aggressive of the two dogs. Neither was done before Kache died.
The judge noted MacDonald had gone as far as barring her own goddaughter from the home after the attacks. She had that same option when Kache came to visit. She didn't use it.
"She had that choice," Macklin said.
How Kache Died
Court heard that Kache's father was in the garage cleaning tools when the attack happened. He had let Kache go inside to play a new video game. One dog, Kairo, was already inside on the couch. Kache then let Khaos in from the backyard. An autopsy found Kache died from a bite injury to the neck. His father found him on the kitchen floor.
MacDonald had tried to book the dogs into a kennel during Kache's visit. They didn't have the required vaccinations. The visit went ahead anyway.
What Comes Next
MacDonald was allowed to remain on bail. Sentencing is scheduled for September 2. Her defence lawyer said they plan to appeal, arguing the judge applied hindsight rather than the reasonable standard the law requires. The Crown said the conviction reflected a clear failure to act after multiple warnings.
Kache's mother, Kendrah Wong, described her son publicly after the verdict. "Kache was such a handsome, generous and kind young man," she said.
Sources:
Alberta Court of King's Bench, verdict by Justice Eric Macklin, May 22, 2026
Canadian Press court report, May 22, 2026
CBC News court report, May 22, 2026
