More than four years ago, Jason Klaus allegedly came up with a plan to murder his parents and sister. In December, 2013, Joshua Frank allegedly shot Gordon, Sandra and Monica Klaus execution style, then set the family’s Castor-area farmhouse on fire to destroy evidence.
On Wednesday morning, Klaus and Frank will learn their fate. Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Eric Macklin will hand down his verdict at 10 a.m. in Red Deer. The two men each face three counts of first-degree murder.
During the six-week trial, both accused took the stand in their own defence and pointed the finger of blame at each other for the crime. But the most crucial evidence was presented through secretly recordings of undercover RCMP officers talking to both Klaus and Frank.
On April 1, 2014, Mounties launched a so-called Mr. Big sting targeting Klaus that was dubbed Project Kontingent.
For four months, Klaus believed he had joined a group of organized criminals that provided him with friendship and easy money.
He repeatedly confessed to his new friends that he had planned the deaths of his parents and sister. He also maintained he had convinced his friend, Joshua Frank, to pull the trigger.
When Frank met “Mr. Big,” he corroborated Klaus’s story by admitting he shot Gordon, Sandra and Monica Klaus.
Joshua Frank and Jason Klaus speaking to “Mr. Big” in final scenario of Project Kontingent. (RCMP )
On tape, Mr. Big asked, “So would it be safe to say you’re a stone-cold killer?”
Without missing a beat, Frank smiled and replied, “I guess.”
During closing arguments, prosecutor Douglas Taylor submitted the Crown’s theory on motive for the crimes.
“Simply put, Klaus’s motive was his disdain for his family and the way in which he was being treated by his parents and sister,” Taylor said.
“He was worried his forgery of cheques and theft of money from his parents would lead to him being marginalized and left on his own. With them gone, he could do what he wanted and the family farm would be his.”
Regarding the co-accused, Taylor said, “Conversely, Frank’s motive was unoriginal, yet pronounced — greed for money, pure and simple. He was an unemployed, destitute drug addict. He saw an opportunity for easy money and he took it.”
Klaus and Frank were arrested on Aug. 15, 2014 and charged with three counts each of first-degree murder. They have been in custody ever since.
Packed courtroom
The Red Deer courtroom was packed with the victims’ friends and family members for every day of the six-week trial.
They declined comment during the trial, but clearly found much of the graphic evidence and testimony difficult to hear. It’s expected seating for Wednesday’s verdict will be very limited.
Sandra, Gordon and Monica Klaus were murdered Dec. 8, 2013. (Facebook)
If Klaus and Frank are convicted on three first-degree murder charges, it’s possible sentencing will be delayed in order to allow lawyers time to prepare submissions.
With changes made to the Criminal Code that now allow consecutive sentences for multiple murders, if convicted, the two accused could face life in prison with no chance of parole for up to 75 years.