Janelle Umpherville morally responsible for Keith Morley's death, says judge

In delivering a sentence that likely feels "utterly inadequate" to the victim's family, a Calgary judge accepted a guilty plea from a woman involved in a fatal crash.

Janelle Umpherville pleaded guilty to a number of charges connected to Keith Morley's death — including theft and being in a stolen vehicle. 

"You and your friends have caused utter grief," said Keith's brother, Bruce Morley, in his victim impact statement. "Shame on you."

• MORE CALGARY NEWS | CBC/Radio-Canada cameraman in hospital after serious crash near Lac La Biche, Alta.
• MORE POLICE NEWS | Human remains found in woods near Eden Valley

In February, Umpherville and two others drove around the Cochrane area in a stolen truck, stealing other items — including an ATV — that they planned to sell to fuel their meth habits.

When they were back on the Tsuut'ina Nation — where the trio planned to store those items — police tried to pull over the truck, but they fled.

After crossing the Fish Creek Bridge, the driver swerved into the oncoming lane, hitting Keith Morley's truck head-on. Morley died at the scene.

The driver took off on foot. Umpherville hid with the other passenger under a nearby tree, but was soon found with the help of the police K9 unit.

The underage son of a Calgary police officer also faces charges in connection with the incident and there are Canada-wide warrants out for Derek Brian Grouette, who police believe to be the driver.

'He'd forgive her in a minute...but I can't'

"My brother was a very Christian man," said Bruce Morley.  "He'd forgive her in a minute — but, you know, I can't." 

Umpherville was given a four-month sentence but with credit for the time she's already served, she has completed the in-custody portion. 

Judge Paul Mason also imposed an 18-month period of probation during which Umpherville must follow a number of strict conditions.

"I'm sure the sentence that's being imposed here feels utterly inadequate," Mason said to the Morley family. "In some sense, it is."

Umpherville was also ordered to do 50 hours of community service and write a letter to the Morley family.

Morley 'wholly innocent'

"The hope is, when something this terrible happens, that it's a wake up call," said Crown Prosecutor Kirsti Binns.

Defence lawyer Dean Zuk told the judge that's exactly how his client sees the experience.

"Not a day goes by that she doesn't think about this," said Zuk.

Mason told Umpherville that she needs to get her addictions under control.

"It's clear that seemingly random actions have led to an enormous consequence," said Mason. "I struggle to understand how senseless acts and the callous disregard for others could be brought home more forcefully."

"You've brought about the death of a valued member of the community who was wholly innocent."