Judge hears from family, friends of Edmonton couple killed by impaired driving crash during Friday sentencing hearing
Family and friends of an Edmonton couple killed in an impaired driving crash packed into a courtroom for the sentencing hearing Friday.
In fact, there were so many people, the proceedings were moved to a larger courtroom.
On August 14, 2022, 68-year-old Jim and 63-year-old Annie Macdonald were out for a routine motorcycle ride on High 628, just south of Sherwood Park.
Their motorcycle was hit head-on by a car – killing them.
Last September, 30-year-old Taylor Yaremchuk of Sherwood Park pleaded guilty to two counts of impaired driving causing death.
During the hearing, the couple's daughter, Breigh Cohen was first to read a victim impact statement.
"My family’s life was shattered," she said.
"I didn’t just lose one parent. I lost both my mom and my dad."
Cohen described herself as a 'daddy's girl,' telling the court he was her best friend.
"My parents were amazing parents, but I can tell you they were even better grandparents," she said as she went on to describe the impact the sudden, preventable loss has had on all three of her children.
"They should still have more time with their grandparents," said Cohen. "The heartache will last their lifetime."
"We have been sentenced to a lifetime of grief," she continued.
Another woman, a friend of the Macdonalds for nearly two decades, sobbed as she read her statement next.
She looked directly at Yaremchuk as she said, "because of you my life has been negatively altered."
"My life will never be complete without Jim and Annie," she said.
Yaremchuk, who was seated next to his lawyer, looked straight ahead as the statements were read.
The Crown prosecutor read a statement from Jim's younger brother Hugh Macdonald.
"This has left an emptiness and hole in my heart," the Crown read.
His statement also pointed out that Yaremchuk was a bartender at the time the crash happened.
"He was fully aware that alcohol and driving do not mix," read the Crown. "Two lives were tragically taken and should not be lumped together."
Hugh's statement finished by saying he does not forgive Yaremchuk for taking his brother and sister-in-law.
In total, Justice Shaina Leonard heard 17 victim impact statements during the hearing.
The Crown is asking for five years imprisonment and a seven year driving prohibition for each count, to be served concurrently.
The defence has asked for three to five years.
Justice Leonard is expected to give her decision May 27.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.
BREAKING Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
WATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
Who is Hope Hicks, longtime Trump aide who is testifying in N.Y. hush money case?
Hope Hicks, once a longtime trusted aide in Donald Trump’s inner circle, is testifying Friday in the New York hush money trial after being subpoenaed.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto incident caught on video
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.