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“This is obviously an issue that touches a lot of people in rural communities. It’s very humbling and makes us aware that the community cares about the issue and about us. We are not alone through this.”

Calgary businessman W. Brett Wilson is also among the contributors, giving $2,500 to the campaign. He took to Twitter to call the lawsuit frivolous and encourage others to financially support the family.

“He was scaring off bandits. It’s that simple,” Wilson wrote on Twitter.

The online campaign is the second for the Maurice family, who also raised support during Edouard’s court appearances before charges against him were dropped in June 2018. Early this month, Edouard received notice that Watson was suing him for $100,000 for the physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder caused by the ricocheted bullet.

“We are fighting this on the principle of the matter. A criminal should not be awarded any damages when he was in the act of committing a crime against the person he is now trying to sue,” said Jessica.

It’s the third time the family has felt violated since that night, according to Jessica.

“The criminal, when he was on our property, violated us. Then to be violated again by the justice system who arrested my husband, that ordeal was incredibly traumatic for us. And this is the third time now and, to people and us, it’s completely unbelievable that this could happen,” she said.

In addition to financial support, they have also heard from plenty of lawyers interested in representing them. The couple researched their options before selecting a lawyer who they feel will have their backs in court.

“Even the lawyers we’ve talked to are telling us what an injustice this is and how unfair it is,” said Jessica.

The money raised will go toward Edouard’s legal fees, which will vary depending on how long the lawsuit takes.

sbabych@postmedia.com

Twitter: @BabychStephanie