Accused in blast that killed Alberta mom handled her funds

The man charged with the first-degree murder of a disabled Alberta woman washer financial adviser, according to the victim's sister.

RCMP arrested 55-year-old Brian Malley this weekin connection with the death of Victoria Shachtayof Innisfail, about 100 kilometres north of Calgary.

Malley, also of Innisfail, faces additional charges of causing an explosion likely to cause harm or death and sending an explosive device to a person.

Shachtay, 23, was killed in late November after a package delivered to her home exploded.Herseven-year-old daughterwasat school at the time and was not harmed, though Shachtay's female caregiver suffered minor injuries in the explosion.

In an interview with CBC News, Shachtay's sister, Sarah, saidVictoria Shachtayhad been living off $625,000 she had received as part of a $1-million court settlementfollowing a 2004 car accident that left her in awheelchair.

According to Sarah, Malleywas meant to help Shachtay manage her money, as it was planned forher to live off the interest from the settlement. But the money began to dwindle.

'Suspicious' over money matters

"Basically, [Victoria] threw her money at him and listened to his promises," Sarah said, adding that her sister began applying for government funding such asthe province's Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped benefits.

"She started getting suspicious when all her money was gone and she was supposed to be living off the interest of the investment and she was broke all of a sudden, and she hadn't spent all that much," Sarah said.

Shachtay began asking Malley more questions about her portfolio.

"So, that's probably what did it,"Sarah said.

According to Malley's neighbours,the accusedwas best friends with Shachtay's stepfather. Neighbours said Malley and his wife were quiet and rarely seen, and described the charges as "absolutely shocking."

RCMP said Sunday that investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Innisfail on Friday and into the weekend.

Explosives were involved but police say they did not pose any risk to the public.

Malleyis scheduled to appear in a Red Deer courtroom on Monday. RCMP said on Sunday they are withholding details until Monday morning.

The victim's sister told CBC News she felt relief after learning Malley had been arrested and charged.

"But the anger and the hurt and everything, it's not going away. It's still the exact same as it was before. We've all suffered and it's not going to stop,"Sarah Shachtaysaid, adding that the victim's daughter is now in her custody.