Police tape surrounds the crime scene on Mill Street in 2017. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Canadian Press

Court hears appeal of Medicine Hat man convicted of murder, extortion

Jan 13, 2023 | 2:14 PM

MEDICINE HAT – An Medicine Hat man found guilty of trying to extort a business owner for $1 million and killing a random stranger is appealing his conviction.

Robert Hoefman was convicted of first-degree murder and extortion by a jury in Medicine Hat in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Court heard that in October 2017, after sending a number of letters to the business owner demanding cash, Hoefman stabbed James Satre to death as a warning.

Hoefman was caught on camera near a bait bag full of cut up paper, his DNA was found on some of the letters, and his prescription glasses were discovered under the victim.

Hoefman, who represented himself at a hearing on Friday, January 13, 2023, before the Alberta Court of Appeal, says much of the evidence against him was obtained illegally.

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The three-member panel reserved its decision.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2023.

The Canadian Press

READ MORE: Robert Hoefman sentenced to life in prison