Youth pleads guilty to 2020 death of Sierra Chalifoux-Thompson

A small group gathered outside the courthouse Tuesday, in solidarity of 13-year-old Sierra Chalifoux-Thompson, who was the victim of a deadly attack on October 2, 2020.

“Grief has struck me so hard, there’s no words to describe it,” says her mom, Angela Chalifoux. “Some days I just can’t even get out of bed.”

The family stood in solidarity, singing and drumming, saying they want to see changes in the justice system.

“A lot of people are getting away with murder and I think the justice system needs to change and look at what they’re doing,” says Fran Chalifoux, Sierra’s aunt.

Sierra’s mother, Angela Chalifoux says she is “Very, very angry, and very disappointed with the justice system.”

The offending youth, who can’t be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, pleaded guilty to the death of Sierra Chalifoux-Thompson.

Emotions were high in the courtroom, as family members of the offender and the victim shed tears. She was initially charged with second-degree murder.

Family of 13-year-old Sierra Chalifoux-Thompson standing outside court in Edmonton on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022. (Photo Credit: Laura Krause, CityNews)

The case has since been sent to youth court, where she faces manslaughter charges with a sentence of up to three years. The family of Chalifoux believes it’s not enough time.

“She took something valuable from us, and her being out in three years, I don’t think that’s enough time for her,” says Fran Chalifoux. “We shouldn’t have to be watching videos of Sierra, we should be watching her grow up.”

The assault happened on October 2, 2020, in the area of 75 Street and Mount Lawn Road. It was revealed in court the fight was over a boy, who Chalifoux-Thompson started dating shortly after he and the accused broke up.

Chalifoux-Thompson was stabbed in the abdomen and taken to hospital where she later died from her injuries.

The offender will remain at the Edmonton Youth Offender Centre until her sentencing in April 2023.