‘Drowning in grief’: B.C. family speaks out at murder sentencing hearing
Family members described the loss of a couple as a trust betrayed, while prosecutors said the shooting followed an angry dispute over motorcycle noise.
- On Monday, family members of a Chilliwack couple read victim impact statements during Robert Freeman's sentencing hearing, with daughter-in-law Joy Finnegan delivering the first of seven statements.
- Freeman, 86, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree murder of John Kavaloff and manslaughter of Valerie Smith, after police described his actions as a "series of impulsive decisions made in anger."
- Finnegan described the couple as a "constant source of comfort love and safety in their lives," stating the murders "shattered our world forever" and left the family "drowning in grief."
- Sentencing proceedings faced multiple delays on Monday, pushing the schedule to approximately 2:45 p.m., though Justice Andrea Ormiston insisted on the "importance" of proceeding with victim statements.
- The sentencing hearing will continue on Friday, May 15, with further evidence to be presented before Justice Ormiston rules on Freeman's sentence.
8 Articles
8 Articles
‘Drowning in grief’: B.C. family speaks out at murder sentencing hearing - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
Family members of a Chilliwack couple killed at home read their victim impact statements in a courtroom on Monday (May 11). John Kavaloff, 58, and Valerie Smith, 67, were shot by their neighbour, Robert Freeman, in Baker Trails trailer park in Chilliwack River Valley on Sept. 13, 2023. Freeman, now 86, pleaded guilty last week to the second degree murder of Kavaloff and to a lesser charge of manslaughter of Smith. Their daughter-in-law, Joy Finn…
‘Drowning in grief’: B.C. family speaks out at murder sentencing hearing - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
Family members of a Chilliwack couple killed at home read their victim impact statements in a courtroom on Monday (May 11). John Kavaloff, 58, and Valerie Smith, 67, were shot by their neighbour, Robert Freeman, in Baker Trails trailer park in Chilliwack River Valley on Sept. 13, 2023. Freeman, now 86, pleaded guilty last week to the second degree murder of Kavaloff and to a lesser charge of manslaughter of Smith. Their daughter-in-law, Joy Finn…
Penticton Western News
‘Drowning in grief’: B.C. family speaks out at murder sentencing hearing
Family members of a Chilliwack couple killed at home read their victim impact statements in a courtroom on Monday (May 11). John Kavaloff, 58, and Valerie Smith, 67, were shot by their neighbour, Robert Freeman, in Baker Trails trailer park in Chilliwack River Valley on Sept. 13, 2023. Freeman, now 86, pleaded guilty last week to the second degree murder of Kavaloff and to a lesser charge of manslaughter of Smith. Their daughter-in-law, Joy Finn…
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