CARSTAIRS - The intended victim of a murder-for-hire plot launched by his wife last year says he has been deeply affected by the crime.
Carstairs resident Audra Lynne Symbalisty, 60, entered a guilty plea to a charge of counselling to commit murder before Justice Michele Hollins in Calgary Court of King’s Bench on March 17.
She was sentenced to five years in prison, with 41 months still to be served.
The accused admitted trying to hire an undercover police officer posing as a hit man to kill her husband, Donald Symbalisty, a long-haul truck driver, in February 2024.
In his victim impact statement read into court, Mr. Symbalisty said, in part, “For a year I have been dealing with mixed emotions and feelings of uncertainty. I have trust issues and occasional nightmares. Through all this Audra I forgive you for the fact of what you’ve done. Now I have to deal with the impact of what has happened.
“In time, hopefully by God’s grace and mercy, I will heal from this and trust and love again.”
Two of Audra Symbalisty’s daughters also entered victim impact statements.
Shayna Anisman attempted to read her statement to the court but became visibly upset, handing the statement to prosector Ryan Ziegler to read it into the record.
“I did not want to believe this could be true,” her statement reads. “My world was crashing, our family disintegrating. She (her mother) was a giant part of my life and I counted on her to be there for me. This will be a long road to healing. This breaks my heart. Needless to say it’s been hell.
“I have so many questions and I may never get answers. I feel heartbroken for everyone involved.”
Katrina Lisoway, speaking directly to her mother, said, “I stand here very, very disappointed in you. I want to know that this situation has got to be one of the hardest things for our family that we’ve had to go through.
“How and why could a mother, a grandmother be so selfish and be willing to sacrifice everything, relationships, trust, love, family and you throw it all away. The situation has rocked us all, emotionally, physically and mentally.
“Your actions have affected me and our family in more ways than you will ever know. What you have done has changed our lives forever.”
Prosecutor Ziegler told the court that he has spoken to Mr. Symbalisty about the crime’s impact.
“In speaking with Mr. Symbalisty the palpable emotional response that he had was ultimately that he wanted to have some closure in this matter,” Ziegler said. “His expression was that he was glad that it was over and can start picking up some of the pieces of his life.”
Prior to sentencing, the accused told the court she takes responsibility for her actions.
“I did something that I never thought I would ever do,” she said. “I’m truly sorry for each person to whom my actions have affected either directly or indirectly. I wish I could go back in time. I am very remorseful.”
As well as the five-year prison sentence, Audra Symbalisty was also handed a life-time weapons ban and ordered to provide a DNA sample.
