Verdict expected in trial of woman whose dogs killed 11-year-old boy

Kache Grist is shown in this handout photo provided by his mother Kendrah Wong. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout-Kendrah Wong(Mandatory Credit)

EDMONTON — A judge is expected to deliver his decision this afternoon on whether a dog owner is guilty in the death of an 11-year-old boy.

Crystal MacDonald pleaded not guilty to criminal negligence causing the death of Kache Grist, who was attacked by the woman’s two Cane Corsos in April 2024 at her Edmonton home.

Court heard MacDonald and the boy’s father, Wesley Grist, were roommates at the time of the attack.

Kache, who lived in British Columbia, was visiting his father for spring break.

MacDonald testified that she repeatedly told Grist not to leave his son alone with the dogs and that she had plans to enrol the animals in specific training.

Before the boy’s death, the dogs injured two people and killed a cat and Pomeranian.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2026.

Daniela Germano, The Canadian Press