Alberta woman hired cop to kill her husband

Audra Lynne Symbalisty, a 60-year-old woman from Carstairs, Alberta, pleaded guilty to trying to hire a hit man to kill her husband, Don Symbalisty. She made this chilling request in a gas station parking lot while celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary. Symbalisty believed she was talking to a hired killer but was actually speaking to an undercover police officer. Her plan was reported to the police by an acquaintance who became concerned about her intentions. In court, Justice Michele Hollins gave Symbalisty a five-year prison sentence. She will serve about three and a half years after receiving credit for time already spent in custody. The judge expressed that part of Symbalisty's healing would involve confronting the damage she caused to her family. The couple’s relationship had become troubled, and Audra had plotted the murder after Don purchased a life insurance policy worth nearly $500,000. In early 2024, she shared her feelings about wanting her husband "gone" during conversations with her acquaintance. On the day of the planned murder, Audra posted a celebratory message on Facebook while also discussing the assassination with the undercover officer. She expressed that she wanted the killing to be "permanent" and provided specific information to help the officer locate Don. Audra was arrested shortly after handing over cash and photos of her husband. She was a hairdresser and a mother to adult children, whose lives are now deeply affected by her actions. In court, she described a moment of mental distress that led her to make this decision. Her daughters shared statements expressing their heartbreak and confusion. Don Symbalisty did not attend the hearing but expressed feelings of betrayal and ultimately forgiveness in a written statement. He concluded with a final goodbye to Audra, signaling the end of their relationship.