Jenny Berger has a hard time putting into words how difficult the last seven months have been on her family since her sister Emily Sheane was killed in a late night hit-and-run in Burnaby last March.
To her family and friends, Emily had an unforgettable smile and was free spirit who embraced adventure.
“We’re all having lots of trouble,” Berger told NOW of the struggle since Emily’s death.
But the family might be able to get some measure of closure in the coming months, as the man responsible for Emily’s death has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Last week, Ibrahim Ali, 25, pleaded guilty in provincial court to dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop at an accident causing bodily harm from the March 9 incident.
It was that night that Emily’s life was tragically cut short.
The 25-year-old was driving home from work on Moscrop Street just before midnight when she was hit by an SUV running a red light at Willingdon Avenue and Deer Lake Parkway.
The driver and passenger in the SUV took off on foot but were eventually arrested a few days later at a hotel in Creston.
Berger said she’s been following Ali’s case through the courts, getting regular updates from victim services, but added the family isn’t fixated on what happens inside the courtroom.
“I think it’s important that he definitely gets time,” she said. “The longer he’s away, the more he’s not out potentially being able to hurt anyone else. At the end of the day, it’s not going to bring her back, so it’s really tough.”
Ali was scheduled to make a court appearance Thursday afternoon to set a sentencing date. The appearance was scheduled for after the NOW’s press deadline.
According to theVancouver Sun, Ali has a criminal past including being sentenced to almost four years in prison back in 2012 for a home invasion.
Berger noted Ali’s history has made the situation even tougher for the family.
“It’s super frustrating because he never learnt anything the first time,” she said.
Berger added her sister was heavily involved in groups and activities in Burnaby through her music and interest in hula hoop dancing, and the circumstances around her death left many people frustrated.
“I think it affected a lot of people because it outrages people because it’s like, how are these people allowed to be put back on the street?” she said.
Despite the difficulties of the last year, the family will be in the court the day Ali is sentenced.
Berger said she’s dreading having to go through the process but wants to be there to make sure he gets jail time and some justice is served.
“It keeps opening the wounds that haven’t started to heal yet,” she said.
For updates on this story, go to www.burnabynow.com
