Police tape surrounds the crime scene on Mill Street in 2017. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Canadian Press

Decision reserved by appeal panel

Court hears appeal of Robert Hoefman, Medicine Hat man found guilty of murder, extortion

Jan 13, 2023 | 1:26 PM

CALGARY – An Medicine Hat man found guilty of trying to extort a businessman for $1 million and killing a random stranger is appealing his conviction.

Robert Hoefman was convicted of first-degree murder and extortion by a jury in Medicine Hat in 2021.

Court heard that in 2017, after sending a number of letters to the business owner demanding the cash, Hoefman stabbed James Satre to death as a warning.

Hoefman was caught on camera near a bait bag full of cut up paper, his DNA was found on some of the letters and his prescription glasses were discovered under the victim.

Hoefman, who represented himself at a hearing today before the Alberta Court of Appeal, says much of the evidence against him was obtained illegally.

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The three-member panel reserved its decision.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2023.

The Canadian Press