Friends and Family Demand Justice for Murdered B.C. Mom in Court

UPDATE: Friends and family of 22-year-old Chelsey Lea Gauthier, a mother murdered in 2017, gathered in a courtroom in Abbotsford, B.C., on Tuesday to read emotional victim impact statements as the accused killer, Gary Donald Losch, faced justice. This urgent court appearance comes after years of waiting for answers and accountability in a heartbreaking case that has left deep scars on loved ones.

Chelsey was tragically found in a shallow grave in Mission in 2017, a victim of a brutal stabbing. Losch, now 70 years old, was arrested on September 9, 2022, and charged with second-degree murder and interference with human remains. As details unfold, the courtroom felt the weight of grief as Chelsey’s father, Raymond Gauthier, delivered his heart-wrenching statement via video. Overcome with emotion, he stated, “When Chelsey died, a part of me died,” underscoring the profound loss that haunts him daily.

The impact of Chelsey’s death is not just a personal tragedy but a communal one, as Kristin Lecuyer, the guardian of Chelsey’s two young daughters, shared her own statement. In a poignant moment, Losch was visibly moved, reportedly sobbing as she spoke about how the girls miss their mother. “For the first time, I feel he’s acknowledging the tragedy he created,” Lecuyer reflected, expressing hope that this moment of remorse was genuine.

The courtroom witnessed a total of 11 victim impact statements, each echoing the sorrow of losing Chelsey. Lecuyer emphasized the importance of keeping Chelsey’s memory alive for her daughters, affirming, “They are amazing kids… so much like their mom.” She revealed that discussions about Chelsey are a regular part of their lives, ensuring her legacy continues to shine.

Crown counsel revealed chilling details about the case, including Losch’s extensive criminal history, which includes multiple violent offenses. They painted a grim picture of Chelsey’s final moments, with the prosecution stating she was found naked from the waist down, although officials could not confirm evidence of sexual assault. Losch’s denial of knowledge regarding Chelsey’s whereabouts during the investigation adds another layer of complexity to this already tragic case.

The emotional toll on Chelsey’s loved ones is palpable. Kasadee York, a friend who has tirelessly campaigned for justice, described the eight-year struggle as “debilitating.” She expressed her hope that the court will deliver a just sentence for Losch, remarking, “She was just like one of those friends that only comes around once in a lifetime.”

As the court proceedings continue, the community watches closely, yearning for justice. This case not only highlights the personal grief of a family but also raises urgent questions about safety and accountability in society.

Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds, and remember the profound impact of Chelsey’s life and the ongoing quest for justice.