Owner of dogs that killed boy tells court she warned dad ahead of attack

Kache Grist, 11, was killed in a dog attack in Edmonton on April 1, 2024. (Supplied)

The owner of two dogs that killed an 11-year-old says she repeatedly told the boy’s father that she did not want him left alone with her Cane Corsos.

Crystal MacDonald is on trial facing a charge of criminal negligence causing death after Kache Grist was killed by the dogs at her Edmonton home in April 2024.

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

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

MacDonald says she did not approve of the boy staying at the house after the dogs severely injured a woman less than two months before.

She says when Grist showed up with his son anyway, she felt she had no choice but to let the boy stay.

MacDonald says she was working to get the dogs specialized training and did not want anyone over at the house until that was done.

She also had an appointment lined up in the coming days to neuter one of the more aggressive dogs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2026.

Daniela Germano, The Canadian Press