(file photo/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Robert Hoefman sentenced to life in prison

Mar 26, 2021 | 12:54 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- A Medicine Hat man convicted of first-degree murder and extortion has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Justice Dallas Miller handed down the sentence Friday morning.

Prior to sentencing, Hoefman, dressed in all black, gave a wave to his family who were sitting in the courtroom.

Sentencing for Hoefman was delayed Thursday after Hoefman collapsed on the stand.

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Earlier this week, a jury found Hoefman guilty of murdering James Satre in October 2017 to further an extortion plot against another Medicine Hat man.

The man who cannot be identified due to a publication ban, received a number of letters warning dozens would be killed if the demand of $1 million dollars was not met.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, chief crown prosecutor Ramona Robbins called the case unique.

“We have someone who is exactly like us. James Satre was doing yard work in his yard. He was talking to his neighbours about a trip he had coming up and then he was killed for no reason. And that could have been any of us. That is what is so unique about this, was that he was randomly chosen and had nothing to do about this. He was a perfect innocent, And again the fear in the community once that happened was that the letter said 43 more, and who was it going to be,” she said.

It’s not clear where Hoefman will serve his sentence. But Justice Miller provided a recommendation that Hoefman serve at a facility close to Medicine Hat.