Man Charged in Death of Restaurant Worker Could Face Life Sentence if Convicted

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta — A 28-year-old Calgary man accused of criminal negligence causing death after restaurant worker Emily Verge was killed earlier this month could face up to life in prison if convicted.

On November 9, 2024, Roger Sierra was charged after his truck crashed into a downtown restaurant, resulting in Verge’s death. Court records verified by Canadian Press allege Sierra was under a medical driving suspension at the time of the incident. His first court appearance is scheduled for December 4, 2024.

Rockey Yoo, a criminal defence lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience at Stringam Law, told Harvard Media News that criminal negligence causing death is a serious indictable offence with significant legal consequences.

“The justice system has broad discretion to impose a range of penalties for this charge,” said Yoo. “Depending on the circumstances of the case and how the Crown proceeds, the accused could receive anything from a fine to a life sentence,” Yoo says the medical condition is likely to come into play, and the severity and type of condition will be important factors in the case.

According to Yoo, part of the charge hinges on proving that the accused demonstrated “wanton and reckless disregard for the lives of others.” Yoo added that cases of this nature can take years to conclude, and the Crown has up to 30 months to bring the case to resolution unless Sierra pleads guilty.

Verge’s death has sent shockwaves through Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo and across Canada. A GoFundMe campaign set up to support Verge’s family has raised over $75,000. Additional community efforts include Prestige Jewelers raffling off a diamond ring, generating $20,000, and the Fort McMurray Golfers Association raising $37,000.