An Edmonton woman was fatally shot outside her residence at the end of last month, with the individual accused of her murder being a family member. Priscilla McGreer, a teacher at NorQuest College and the Edmonton Learning Centre Literacy Association, was discovered deceased in a vehicle in central Edmonton on August 30 following reports of gunfire. She sustained fatal gunshot wounds on a bustling downtown street during the early hours of that Saturday morning, as confirmed by an autopsy.
The accused, 42-year-old Kyle Laumen, faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and breach of probation, with a previous history involving the courts, including a 2018 homicide charge that was eventually dropped. It has been revealed by CBC News that McGreer, aged 39, and the suspect were cousins, a fact confirmed by the Edmonton police.
Two criminologists from Alberta have characterized the homicide near Jasper Avenue and 119th Street as a highly public act of violence, underscoring deficiencies in the Canadian legal system concerning the mitigation of risks posed by repeat offenders. Laumen’s parole records from 2014 and 2015 indicate over 25 convictions for violent crimes, raising concerns among correctional authorities about his threat to the community.
Friends mourn McGreer’s tragic demise, particularly poignant due to her familial connection with the accused. Kyle Laumen remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Edmonton Court of Justice on Tuesday. Described as a non-judgmental and compassionate individual, McGreer had been extending support to her troubled cousin for years despite his criminal past, according to her close friend Brandi LaPerle.
LaPerle and McGreer, friends for over 16 years, shared a deep bond rooted in their mutual passion for the arts and compassionate nature. McGreer’s untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the violence women often face, emphasizing the critical need for ongoing support services for survivors of domestic and family violence.
Mount Royal University criminologist Kelly Sundberg views McGreer’s murder as a significant failure of the justice system, pointing to Laumen’s extensive criminal record and emphasizing the necessity for stricter accountability and transparency in handling repeat offenders. Sundberg advocates for more stringent measures to ensure that convicted individuals face the full weight of the law and do not pose a threat upon release.
Documents from the Parole Board of Canada shed light on Laumen’s criminal past, revealing a troubling pattern of violent offenses and a propensity for recidivism. University of Alberta criminologist Temitope Oriola echoes concerns about repeat offenders, emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring and restrictions post-release to mitigate risks to society. The crime aligns with broader trends of femicide in Canada, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of women to violence from individuals within their social circles.