Two men who killed central Alberta farm family sentenced to life in prison

Two men who killedthree family members in central Alberta in 2013 were sentenced to life in prison Wednesday but can apply for parole after 25 years.

"I'm not satisfied that a period of parole eligibility [longer than 25 years] would provide greater deterrence for these offenders," Court of Queen's Bench Justice EricMacklintold a Red Deer courtroom.

The pair were convicted in January of three counts each of first-degree murder inthe deaths ofKlaus' parents, Gordon and Sandra Klaus, and his sister, Monica Klaus.

Concurrent, not consecutive sentences

Life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years is automatic for first-degree murder.

But Macklinhad the option of sentencing the men to life in prison with no chance of parole for 75 years one 25-year term for each murder as the Criminal Code allows for sentences for multiple murders to be servedconsecutively.

During sentencing arguments, prosecutor Doug Taylor saidthe two men deserve the maximum sentence for what he called a "contract killing of sorts."

But Macklintold court it was"difficult to imagine what a more lengthy sentence would do."

'Crushing sentence' would be 'unduly long'

Macklin said he believes offenders with no hope of ever leaving prison wouldhave less motivationto behave while behind bars.

"[Their] potential release may protect inmates and correctional officers from harm," he said.

Macklin explained that 75 years without chance of parole would be a "crushing sentence" and "unduly long."

Friends and family of the Klaus family, whopacked the courtroom, showed disappointmentas Macklinread his decision.

The Klaus family was killed in December2013. Theirfarmhouse, near Castor, east of Red Deer, was burned.

Sandra Klaus's body has never been found.

Macklin said the only mitigating factor in sentencing Frank and Klaus was that neitherhad previous criminal records.

During the trial, court heard that Frank fatally shot thethree victims and that he was directed by Klaus.

"[Klaus] assisted in the commission of the murders by providing weapons," Macklin read Wednesday.

Klaus was a "full-fledged party to the crimes."

Macklin said he took into account the character of the offenders and nature of the offences. He noted there was limited information either of the men's characters, as both had led anti-social lives.