The Accused Derek Saretzky

The accused, Derek Saretzky, 24, proven guilty by the jury and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for 75 years for the murders of Hanne Meketech, 69, Terry Blanchette, 27, and his little girl, Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, 2. The knife that killed both adults, ultimately causing grave injury to a small-knit region known as Crowsnest Pass in southwestern Alberta. From the discovery of Hanne’s body on September 9th, 2015 to that of Terry’s on September 14th, 2015 left an entire area of Crowsnest Pass on edge. It was when the discovery of Terry’s lifeless body that issued an Amber Alert for Hailey’s disappearance. One hundred police officers were involved in the case and in the disappearance of Hailey, who was broadcasted all over the

Saretzky, the prime suspect at the time, confessed to the killings of all three victims six months later. He had kidnapped Hailey to a campsite after killing Meketech and Blanchette where he said “a little prayer” before he drank her blood, ate part of her heart and burn her remains in a fire pit. During trial, individuals impacted were ask to submit statements on the effects of this crime had on them. Derek Saretzky gave a confession about the murders of Terry and Hailey to Melissa Eye, who was a correctional peace officer at the Calgary Remand Centre at the time. She found herself continuously playing the crime over and over again while trying to search images of Hailey smiling to make it go away. Eye also had to seek counselling from having to repeat her discussion with Mr. Saretzky since it stressed her out. Another impact statement was issued and this time it was from Carrie Morency; who is a friend to Hanne. Morency did not only arranged a funeral for Meketech, but an instrumental in placement of a black granite beach were she use to walk her dogs. Judy Melgi, also a friend to Hanne, and Saretzky’s grandmother planted a tree toprovide shade over the

Terry-Lynn Dunbar, Hailey’s grandmother, came to court to read her statement during the sentencing hearing. Terry-Lynn has sorrow and cannot live holidays or visits of family because of the this tragedy. She had kept some of Hailey’s toys as a reminder of her; however, all she receive are nightmares. Moreover, Insp Derek Williams delivered an impact statement stating the case has been difficult for all involved. “It’s traumatic and it’s a tragedy for, obviously, the victims and the families, the communities and investigators as a whole,” Williams said. “But (officers) were dedicated to finish the investigation and bring this matter to the Crown for prosecution.” Crown prosecutor, Photini Papadatou made her statement to the jury delivering the final word in Derek Saretzky triple murder trial. She returned to a list in a notepad that was found at Saretzky’s apartment. “Sleepers of the dog, Hanne, Terry, the hideous baby, Chy. Names crossed out,” said Papadatou as she paused before saying ‘the hideous baby’ as that applied to Hailey. “Effectively, he killed everyone on that list, she continued. She quickly noted that ‘Chy’, which is believe to be Hailey’s