‘I am ashamed of my conduct’: B.C. military vet, 86, apologizes for killing his long-time neighbours

An 86-year-old military veteran who shot and killed his long-time neighbours in Chilliwack over a noise dispute will likely die in prison.

An 86-year-old military veteran who shot and killed his long-time neighbours in Chilliwack, B.C.–in what’s been described as a dispute over noise—has apologized to the family and friends of his victims.

But the family doesn’t believe the apology is sincere.

Robert Freeman, who served 35 years in the Canadian military, had his lawyer read his apology, explaining, “I can’t express what I really feel in my state. I’m very tired and I’m not stable.”

In the statement of apology, he wrote: “I know that nothing I say here can undo the harm and pain and loss that I have caused.”

“I am ashamed of my conduct, and I can never forgive myself for what I have done,” the statement reads.

“Every day of my life is now miserable, but I recognize that this is nothing compared to what I have caused so many others to suffer and the terrible loss of two good people’s lives.”

Freeman, a great grandfather, had been neighbours with John Kavaloff and Valerie Smith for more than a decade at a mobile home park in Chilliwack.

But on Sept. 13, 2023, Freeman, carrying a rifle, walked next door to where Kavaloff, 58, was speaking with a friend in the driveway.

Words were exchanged and Freeman shot Kavaloff in the chest. A second bullet hit Smith, 67, who was Kavaloff’s partner. She was found by police dead inside her home.

The defence said Freeman told police that Kavaloff would have visitors over and they would rev their motorbikes and play loud music, which would affect Freeman’s sleep.

The victim’s family said they never heard of any previous noise complaints.

Freeman pleaded guilty earlier this month to the second-degree murder of Kavaloff and manslaughter in the death of Smith.

“In all honestly, he should spend the rest of his life in jail without parole,” said Joy Finnnigan, daughter-in-law of the victims.

The sentence for second-degree murder is life in prison. Crown is asking that parole eligibility for Freeman be set at 12 years, saying aggravating factors include the use of a firearm and the impact on the victims’ family and the community.

Defence asked that Freeman’s age and poor health be considered in setting parole eligibility. He had no previous criminal record.

The judge ultimately set Freeman’s parole eligibility at 10 years, meaning the earliest he will be released from prison is when he’s 96 years old.

“When someone murders two innocent people, there must be serious consequences and accountability for those actions, without early parole, despite age, health or any other excuse,” Finnigan said.

Freeman’s bail was revoked after pleading guilty. He entered court Friday morning in red prison sweats, with his feet in shackles.