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Family still hoping for closure on Amy Lewis’ death.

Dec 11, 2017 | 4:38 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB. – The man convicted in the death of Amy Lewis was granted statutory release on Saturday, December 9th.

Jerrison Stopanski served five years behind bars after pleading guilty to manslaughter in 2014.

Ray Strom, spokesperson for Lewis’ family, said the release of Stopanski serves as a reminder of the 23-year -old’s death.

“It brings back of course memories to the whole situation,” he explained. “The family was very deeply affected by the loss of Amy.”

Stopanski was living in Medicine Hat prior to being convicted, but Insp. Brent Secondiak with the Medicine Hat Police Service, does not think he will return to live here.

“I don’t believe so, we haven’t received that information,” he explained. “I believe he is in Calgary or Calgary area with his parole officer.”

During his sentencing, Stopanski spoke to Lewis’ family stating “she didn’t suffer much,” following pleading guilty. He was given a seven year sentence but with time served, he will serve five years.

Strom said the family has had to accept the court’s decision on Stopanski’s sentencing.

“A difficult thing to evaluate, whether justice was served or not,” he explained. “But, that’s something all of us within our society today have to come to grips with.”

Lewis’ body has never been found and Stopanski has refused to reveal any information on its location said Secondiak.

“We haven’t found the body, since the incident happened,” he explained. “We’ve continued to follow up on numerous tips that have come in from the public on the location of the body.”

Strom has not given up hope of finding Lewis’ remains and laying her to rest.

“(We) certainly encourage any leads that might come forward,” he said. “Whether that will happen or not, we just don’t know.”

If anyone has information regarding the location of Lewis’ body, contact Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481.