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Few things have the power to engage the public in the
justice system like a mass murder. In the wake of the Cook murders, the
force of the public outcry for justice was phenomenal. An entire family had
been murdered, and Albertans hung on each development of the case, waiting
anxiously for justice to be served.
 Months after the murders were committed, Cook’s first
trial was heard by Justice Peter Greschuk at the Red Deer courthouse.
Lasting 10 days, the trial culminated in a guilty verdict and a death
sentence. Cook was to hang until death the following April. Disappointed at
this outcome, Giffard Main, Cook’s lawyer, immediately appealed the verdict.
A second trial, was granted and slated to begin the following June in
Edmonton.
The second trial was shorter than the first, lasting a
mere six days, and at its end, Cook was again delivered the death sentence.
The second appeal was denied, however, though the execution was postponed
for a month while Cook’s lawyers seeked a stay of the motion. They were not
successful.
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Heritage Community Foundation Presents
;)
