Uploaded April 2010 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
Ross Edward Kleman admitted Monday he attacked Emily Stauffer, 14, on a sunny footpath outside Edson, Alta., that he choked her, slashed her throat, then left her for dead.
In a courtroom Monday, the shamefaced 44-year-old former preacher trembled as he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, then he sat, hunched and frail, and hung his head.
Crown prosecutor Michelle Doyle for the first time revealed how the beautiful, devout pastor's daughter met her death on Sept. 27, 2008.
"Mr. Kleman, a stranger to Emily, attacked her, struggled with her, choked her and slashed her throat," Doyle said. Police caught him because he left his DNA at the scene.
Kleman will automatically be sentenced to life in prison with no chance at parole for at least 10 years. Doyle asked the court to conduct a psychological assessment before the sentencing hearing, scheduled for June 9.
Stauffer's parents and her three siblings were not in court Monday and chose not to speak publicly. They will be invited to present victim impact statements at Kleman's sentencing hearing in June. Kleman will also have the opportunity to speak.
Ross Edward Kleman admitted Monday he attacked Emily Stauffer, 14, on a sunny footpath outside Edson, Alta., that he choked her, slashed her throat, then left her for dead.
In a courtroom Monday, the shamefaced 44-year-old former preacher trembled as he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, then he sat, hunched and frail, and hung his head.
Crown prosecutor Michelle Doyle for the first time revealed how the beautiful, devout pastor's daughter met her death on Sept. 27, 2008.
"Mr. Kleman, a stranger to Emily, attacked her, struggled with her, choked her and slashed her throat," Doyle said. Police caught him because he left his DNA at the scene.
Kleman will automatically be sentenced to life in prison with no chance at parole for at least 10 years. Doyle asked the court to conduct a psychological assessment before the sentencing hearing, scheduled for June 9.
Stauffer's parents and her three siblings were not in court Monday and chose not to speak publicly. They will be invited to present victim impact statements at Kleman's sentencing hearing in June. Kleman will also have the opportunity to speak.
