BATTLEFORD - One of the individuals facing charges in the death of Wendy Bird near Maymont two years ago received a life sentence on Thursday at the Court of King's Bench in Battleford.
Dustin Cookman-Watts, 26, from North Battleford, who was originally charged with first-degree murder, instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder.
A publication ban is in effect on the details of the case until all the accused have gone through the court process.
Prosecutor Cory Bliss represented the Crown and lawyer Michael Nolin the Defence in the case.
Justice Brenda Hildebrandt sentenced Cookman-Watts to a life sentence with no potential eligibility for parole until he has served at least 17 years in custody. He was also also sentenced to two years concurrent for causing an indignity to human remains. Factoring in time served since his arrest in 2022, Cookman-Watts will be eligible for consideration for parole after he has served at least 15 more years in custody.
The RCMP previously reported Wendy Bird, from Prince Albert, was 24 at the time of her death. Her body was found along Highway 16 on the morning of Oct. 16, 2022, near the village of Maymont.
