Alberta Woman Sentenced for Attempting to Hire Hitman to Kill Husband

Alberta Woman named Audra Lynne Symbalisty, 60, pleaded guilty to attempting to hire an undercover police officer to kill her husband. A court sentenced her to five years in prison.

The Crime and Arrest

Symbalisty sought a hitman to kill her husband on their 18th wedding anniversary. She unknowingly arranged the murder with an undercover officer instead of a contract killer.

Authorities launched an investigation after an acquaintance reported Symbalisty’s intentions to the Didsbury RCMP in early 2024. The investigation involved a two-and-a-half-week undercover operation.

Undercover Sting Operation

Symbalisty first met the undercover officer in a Carstairs gas station parking lot on February 24, 2024. She agreed to pay $5,000 for the killing, stating she wanted a “permanent” solution.

Audra also provided details about her husband’s routine, including his trucking routes. She also met the officer the next day and paid a $1,000 deposit, along with photos of her husband and his vehicle.

The undercover officer repeatedly gave Symbalisty opportunities to back out, but she insisted on proceeding. Authorities arrested her three days later.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Symbalisty pleaded guilty to counselling to commit murder. Justice Michele Hollins sentenced her to five years in prison. With time served, she has about three and a half years remaining.

The judge emphasized that Symbalisty must confront the harm she caused her family. In court, her daughters described the emotional devastation her actions created.

Motive and Family Reaction

The exact motive remains unclear, but evidence showed that a $500,000 life insurance policy could have been a factor. The defense argued that grief over the loss of Symbalisty’s daughter contributed to her actions.

Symbalisty’s former husband, Don, did not attend the hearing but submitted a statement. While expressing betrayal, he ultimately forgave her and stated, “It’s finished. Goodbye, Audra.”

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/carstairs-audra-symbalisty-don-murder-for-hire-plot-rcmp-plea-court-1.7485907
• https://calgaryherald.com/news/crime/central-alberta-woman-tried-to-hire-hit-man-to-kill-husband
• https://unpublished.ca/news-feed-item/2025-03-17/till-death-do-us-part-alberta-woman-tells-undercover-cop-she-hired-to-kill