Woman sentenced to house arrest for negligent dog attack that killed 11-year-old

Crystal Jean MacDonald, 46, was found guilty of criminal negligence causing death after her two Cane Corso dogs fatally attacked 11-year-old Kache Grist in April 2024. Justice Eric Macklin sentenced her to two years less a day of house arrest, a lifetime prohibition on owning, supervising, or controlling dogs, and 200 hours of community service, with the possibility of a leave request after ten years. The judge cited aggravating factors such as the dogs’ prior attacks, the victim’s age and vulnerability, and the horrific manner of death, while noting MacDonald’s remorse.

Prosecutors had requested a five-year prison term, whereas the defence argued for a conditional sentence. Victim impact statements from Kache’s father, Wesley Grist, and mother, Kendrah Wong, highlighted the family’s grief and their lack of desire for retribution.