Southern Alberta woman sentenced to house arrest, curfew for fatal collision

LETHBRIDGE -

A southern Alberta woman has been sentenced for a fatal collision that claimed the life of a 26-year-old Okotoks man in 2023.

In a Fort Macleod courtroom, Mary Many Bears was sentenced to two years less a day, eight months of which will be served as house arrest and the remaining time as curfew, along with a five-year driving suspension.

On Jan. 15, 2023, Matthew Schalm was driving on Highway 3 west of Fort Macleod when he was hit and killed.

Three others, including a five-year-old child, were seriously injured in the multi-vehicle crash.

Many Bears was arrested and charged.

Court documents show drugs were detected in her blood.

In September, Many Bears pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

Judge Kristin Ailsby accepted a joint submission from the Crown and defence, calling it "fit and proper."

"The sentence is very frustrating because we lost our son, and the impact is massive," said Michelle Schalm, Matthew's mother, following the sentencing.

"It feels like the system is very weighted to the offender, and I understand that, but at the same time, there has to be a realistic punishment in my opinion."

During the sentencing, 14 victim impact statements were read by family and friends, who all wore t-shirts in honour of Matthew.

"Everybody he met, he touched, and I still feel that now," said Jeremey Schalm, Matthew's brother.

Through her victim impact statement, Michelle wrote and sang a song for Matthew.

"He had a great big smile, so full of life. When those strong eyes would hug me tight. I'd feel like the world was all right. Don't sweat the small stuff, mom. I'll see you again before long," she sang to the courtroom.

While the family says the support from one another has helped, the justice system has impacted their grieving process.

"We've been in court 17 or 18 times, I think, on this matter until today, which was sentencing," said Michelle.

"Huge delays by lawyers and process and dates."

During her decision, Ailsby said Many Bears does not have any prior criminal or driving record, and has shown remorse for her actions.

Before handing down her decision, Ailsby allowed Many Bears to address those in the courtroom.

"I can never take back that day, but I have worked hard to stay clean and be a good mother," said Many Bears.

"I am truly sorry."

The Schalm family says they are open to reconciliation and moving forward with those involved.

While the sentencing brings some closure, the family says Matthew's legacy will live on.

"I hope he's remembered as a kind person that looked out for others and wanted to be in other people's lives," said Jeremey.

"It's been very long and very difficult," said Michelle.

"And at the end of the day, what I really want with this whole process is—I want our Matthew to be remembered."