The family of John Kavaloff and Valerie Smith, victims of a double homicide in Chilliwack, British Columbia, is increasingly frustrated with the ongoing judicial delays. After more than 35 court dates over the past two and a half years, the trial has yet to commence, leaving the family feeling as though their quest for justice is in limbo. Joy Finnigan, the couple’s daughter, emphasizes the suffering this continues to cause as the accused, Robert Freeman, remains free in the community despite being charged with two counts of second-degree murder.

The tragic deaths of Kavaloff and Smith occurred on September 13, 2023, when police responded to a shots-fired call at their home. The murder charges against Freeman are believed to stem from a dispute between neighbors, an aspect that adds a layer of complexity to the case. The family’s frustration is compounded by the fact that Freeman has spent only a brief period in jail with no psychiatric evaluation and has been at liberty since, raising serious concerns about public safety and the efficacy of the legal process in handling such serious accusations.

Finnigan's public plea for justice not only highlights their personal anguish but also reflects broader issues within the legal system regarding the handling of such cases. As the family continues to attend court without seeing progress, they call for reforms to address the excessive delays in the judicial process, advocating for timely trials that respect the rights of victims and their families. The situation serves as a critical reminder of the emotional turmoil that prolonged legal proceedings can inflict on those who are already suffering from violent crime.