An Alberta family is questioning why charges have been stayed in connection with an alleged case of impaired driving.
On April 3rd, 2010, 47-year-old Shelly Patterson of Daysland was killed when her Ford Escape was struck head-on by a GMC Safari van west of Daysland on Highway 13.
The woman died at the scene. Patterson was a mother of four and a soon-to-be grandmother.
"It's like a knife in the heart all over again," said Leeann Zellweger, Patterson's daughter.
The woman's husband, Jim Patterson, was injured in the crash and taken to hospital. The couple was just about to celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary.
A 29-year-old passenger in the van, Erin Huggan of Edmonton, was airlifted to hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
Police said at the time alcohol had been a factor in the crash and laid charges against Charlotte Liselotte Verkerk. Patterson's daughter now says the RCMP have told her the impaired driving charges against Verkerk are being stayed.
"Unfortunately we thought there would be a little bit of justice done and served by the end of August and it's not going to happen," said Zellweger.
Police say a stay of charges means they have one year to investigate further and then decide how to proceed.
The family is now waiting to hear confirmation the Crown as to why. The RCMP say there were no deficiencies in their investigation.
The family is meeting with the Crown on Wednesday evening.
With files from Sonia Sunger
