Alberta woman sentenced for trying to hire hitman

An Alberta woman, Audra Lynne Symbalisty, tried to hire a hitman to kill her husband on their 18th wedding anniversary. Unbeknownst to her, the man she approached was an undercover police officer. Symbalisty, 60, pleaded guilty to counseling murder. In court, Justice Michele Hollins sentenced her to five years in prison. After factoring in time already served, Symbalisty has about three and a half years left. The judge emphasized the need for her to face the impact of her actions on her family. The situation escalated after Symbalisty’s relationship with her husband, Don, deteriorated. Don had taken out a life insurance policy that would pay Symbalisty nearly $500,000 if he died. A friend reported her plan to the police after hearing Symbalisty express her desire to have her husband killed. The undercover officer was introduced to her through text. In meetings, Symbalisty made clear she wanted Don "gone" permanently. She handed over money, photos, and details about her husband's work schedule to assist in the plot. Before her arrest, Audra Symbalisty worked as a hairdresser. Her family was deeply affected by her actions. During the court proceedings, her daughters spoke about the pain caused by their mother’s decisions. Symbalisty expressed remorse, stating she wished she could turn back time. In a statement, Don Symbalisty expressed feelings of betrayal but also offered forgiveness, indicating this chapter of their lives is now closed.