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Emotional day in court
Middelaers describe the heartache while Berner breaks down after addressing family BY
JESSICA KERR
jkerr@delta-optimist.com
REMEMBRANCE 2010 DAY
Pages 15 - 20
Pages 21 - 29
ROTARY CLUBS OF DELTA
20 ANNUAL TV
th
ANNUAL TV AUCTION Pages 31 - 33
For just a few moments this week the packed courtroom at the Carol Berner sentencing hearing got to see what the Middelaer family has lost. On Monday afternoon, Michael Middelaer, Alexa’s father, showed a short home movie as part of his victim impact statement and there on a large screen the little blond girl, who many have only known in death, was alive again and singing carols with her class in what was to be her last Christmas concert. Michael Middelaer touched his hand to his heart and paused for a moment before continuing with his statement. It was one of six read out by the family. Many in the Surrey courtroom were reduced to tears as the statements were read. Berner, who was convicted in July for her role in the May 17, 2008 crash in East Ladner that killed four-year-old Alexa Middelaer and injured her aunt, Daphne Johanson, was to be sentenced Monday, but that has now been delayed until Friday. Laurel Middelaer told a packed courtroom that she feels an ache in her womb at the loss of her daughter. She said she is still haunted by what she witnessed that day and talked about how she and her family have been damaged. “God, do I miss her. But I live each day by choice. I have to,” Laurel said. “Now we are merely shells of what we were before.” She also read out a statement from Christian Middelaer, Alexa’s 10-year-old brother. In a statement directed to Judge Peder Gulbransen, he said: “This has to stop. It is not right. Why is
PHOTO BY
CHUNG CHOW
Carol Berner, shown here with one of her sons during a break in court proceedings Monday, has had her sentencing delayed until Friday. my sister gone?” Berner also spoke for the first time, addressing the court and the Middelaer family in an emotional statement.
“If there was anything I could do or say to take away your pain, I would,” Berner said through tears. “All I can do is take responsibility for my actions.”
She said she would never get behind the wheel again, has stopped drinking and found God. See BERNER page 3
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