'Execution-style murder': Killer of 19-year-old Calgary hockey coach sentenced to life in jail
A Calgary judge has sentenced a young man who shot and killed another man to life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years.
In February, Hunter Van Mackelberg was convicted of second-degree murder for killing Kalix Langenau, when both men were just 19 years old.
The court heard Van Mackelberg fired a shotgun at the back of the victim's head at close range in the early morning hours of Feb. 15, 2020, at a rural property near Balzac.
Justice Glen Poelman told the court that "it was an execution-style murder" and Van Mackelberg "displayed a callous disregard" for Langenau.
He and Langenau were at odds over girls they were in relationships with, the court heard, and the killing was the result of years of tension between the two men.
Van Mackelberg, now 21, did not speak at his sentencing hearing.
BELOVED HOCKEY COACH
Several family members and friends read tearful victim impact statements during the sentencing hearing on Thursday.
His mother Tracy Henderson said her first child was the rock of the family, and now there is a piece missing.
"He was such a great child, such a great brother, such a great son," she told reporters outside the Calgary Courts Centre.
She then added, "12 years is definitely not enough in my opinion for the young life that was taken and the lives that have been destroyed ever since then."
His father, John Langenau, told the court he was in agony, as if pieces of his heart and soul had been ripped out.
"There's no such thing as justice when someone is torn from your life, especially someone as charismatic, inspirational, funny, good-hearted, patient and as lively as Kalix is," said Langenau.
Langenau is remembered as a children's hockey coach at Explosive Edge in Airdrie with aspirations of a career in the sport, and had applied to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for a broadcasting program.
Many family members say they are grieving for missed future milestones, holidays and celebrations that will never be shared.
Surviving family members have set up the Coach Kalix Foundation to provide sports equipment to children.
FACTS OF THE CASE
Friends said Langenau lived in Vancouver and was visiting Calgary for the Family Day long weekend.
Langenau had a previous relationship with Madeline Kot, the girlfriend of Van Mackelberg at the time of the crime.
Hours after multiple text messages were exchanged between the victim and Kot, the killing took place in a field Van Mackelberg and friends were familiar with.
The killer phoned his father to ask what to do with the body after the murder.
Defence lawyers argued the messages shared between the victim and the killer's girlfriend was provocation and a mitigating factor, but the judge dismissed that saying it was not a crime of passion.
Crown prosecutors argued that Van Mackelberg had a known history of disorderly behaviour and disregard for the law and asked for a parole eligibility after 18 years.
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, prosecutor Ron Simenik said the judge gave sound reasons for the sentence that was handed down.
"The fact these were young men is troubling to say the least," said prosecutor James Sawa.
"The justice had to balance the obviously heinous nature of the crime with the fact there's some prospect for Mr. Van Mackelberg to be rehabilitated and that is a difficult decision that he had to make."
Sawa then added, "it's still a life sentence."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.