File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

EXCLUSIVE

‘Never be forgiven and never be forgotten’: Simpson family says no amount of money will bring Jessie back to who he was

Feb 22, 2021 | 5:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s been a long four-and-a-half years for Susan Simpson in the fight to bring justice for her son Jessie.

Jessie was left with life-altering brain injuries in the early morning hours of June 19, 2016, when he was in the wrong place at the wrong time — tracked down and beaten with a baseball bat in Brocklehurst. The attacker, Kristopher Teichrieb, was sentenced to seven-years in prison two years ago. Earlier this month, Teichrieb was ordered by the B.C. Supreme Court to pay the Simpson family $7 million.

“Kristopher Teichrieb, what you did to Jessie, my son, will never be forgiven and never be forgotten. You took Jessie’s life,” Susan told CFJC Today in an exclusive interview.

No amount of money will ever take away Simpson’s pain. Only 18 years old at the time, the baseball bat beating caused permanent brain damage and has him needing 24-hour care the rest of his life.

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“I see my son, 23 years old, in a nursing home. He doesn’t remember what he had for breakfast. Jessie’s short-term memory is affected for life,” Simpson said.

Struggling through a statement she stayed up all night crafting, Susan wonders if the family will ever see any of the $7 million awarded following a civil trial.

A big part of the judgment handed down by Justice Dev Dley was $3 million for future cost of care. It costs about $5,000 a month to care for Jessie at The Hamlets. Thankfully at this time, the cost is being covered by Victim Services and generous donations from the community. However, that funding could dry up.

“Justice Dley for your kind words and judgment. I will continue to fight for Jessie. His quality of life with the GoFundMe account and upcoming online auction at the end of May,” said Susan.

There is more civil action coming next year, as the Simpsons challenge the alleged sale of Teichreib’s Brocklehurst home to his parents for $1 shortly after the 2016 attack.

This recent judgment — and any other rewards through the courts — won’t bring Jessie back to who he once was, but Susan has seen such incredible progress that continues to amaze her.

“From the moment he was attacked, he fought — a true hero,” she said. “He learned how to talk, feed himself, and after almost five years, the victory in Jessie’s face — he’s really proud of himself that he’s able to lift his arm and to almost open his hand.”

It’s all about the small victories. However, a big one would be bringing Jessie home. With nearly 50 per cent of the renovations complete at the family home in Savona, Susan hopes it can happen this summer.