Lawyer for accused triple killer seeks adjournment to 'look into things'

A Prince Albert man accused of killing his son and parents, and attempting to kill his daughter, had another court appearance adjourned.

Nathaniel Carrier, 28, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Carrier has had nine court appearances since his arrest April 2020, with all being adjourned. His latest appearance was Nov. 13.

“All of the adjournments have been at the request of defence,” said Crown Prosecutor John Morrall on Nov. 16. “Defence is looking into things.”

Defence lawyer Terra Lennox-Zepp has requested adjournments to receive and go over disclosure. Disclosure consists of the Crown’s case against the accused and usually includes search warrants, the charging document, details of the offence, audio/video and transcribed witness statements, statements from the accused, expert reports, exhibits, private communication intercept authorizations, evidence, and criminal records of witnesses and the accused.

Carrier is accused of killing his mother Sandra Henry, father Denis Carrier, both 56, and son, Bentlee, seven, as well as the attempted murder of his daughter, Kendrah, five.

According to Prince Albert Police, Carrier lived with his parents and children in the home at 315 MacArthur Drive where the bodies were found March 29.

Neighbours were shocked with the horrific murders and said this was the last house they would expect such a gruesome crime. They described the couple as “really, really nice” people who were “always cheerful.”

They said the Carrier family would change the decorations on their home and yard every season and on special holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

Motive not known

Police haven’t said what the motive was for the brutal murders, which they say evidence indicates occurred Saturday, March 28, 2020.

By all accounts - on social media - Carrier appears like a caring, devoted father to his two small children. Photos posted on social media depict a smiling Carrier holding and playing with them. He said the only good thing about holidays was spending time with family.

On March 22 - just days before Carrier allegedly killed his parents and son and tried to kill his daughter - he posted a selfie of himself with his two children and his mom, all seated together at a theatre seemingly enjoying life.

A week before the murders he also posted photos of himself busy at work, installing Internet cable. Other photos show him on a hockey team.

A family mourned

On April 12, Bentlee’s mother Heather posted, “Yesterday was the hardest day of my life. I had to say goodbye to my firstborn Bentlee. He was kind, loving and the most selfless person I knew. He was the best big brother ever. He will always be in our hearts. He will forever be playing with his family. And he will forever be playing games.”

Bentlee’s obituary states he was born in in Kamloops, B.C., a couple months premature. He grew up in Prince Albert and joined the 4th P.A. Scout group when he was five, primarily going with his grandparents, enjoying outdoor activities and making many friends.

“He loved helping other children, by donating gently used toys and clothes to those less fortunate. Bentlee was a big Avengers fan, and loved playing games on Xbox with his uncles Jesse and Denis Jr.”

Sandra Henry’s obituary said that, “Sandra and Denis were childhood sweethearts and were together for 35 plus years.”

Sandra loved to watch hockey on TV and loved being a hockey mom.

“She was always there to support her boys in hockey and anything that they wanted to do,” continued the obituary. “She was the loudest in the rink and didn’t care what people thought of it.”

Sandra loved baking and making stuff for people to give them around certain holidays. She also enjoyed having fires outside in the fire pit. If she wasn’t at work and the weather was decent you could always find her in the backyard enjoying life around the fire pit and company was always welcome.

“She became a grandmother seven years ago and this brought her much joy in life, hanging out and being there for her grandbabies. She would bake with them and she would take them to the odd Raider game or to the movie theatre. She loved her grandchildren very much and they loved her just as much as she loved them.”

The obituary listed Sandra’s family members, with the exception of her son Nathaniel Carrier - who is charged with her murder.

An obituary for Denis Joseph Carrier said he worked in construction and then became a truck driver.

“Denis loved to hunt and fish as well as making, fixing and decorating things. He loved to spend time in his garage, which he built himself. Most of the time you can find him in the garage always doing something, as he liked to keep busy. Denis was the type of guy to always help you if he could and if he couldn't he tried his best. He would give you the shirt off his back and put others first even though he had his own things to do. Denis enjoyed having fires in the backyard in his fire pit, it was a great way to end the day and spend time with family and friends. He loved decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas. At first it was for his family and then he started to add to his decorating and noticed people really enjoyed it, which gave him pleasure in going all out.”

The obituary listed Denis’ family members, with the exception of his son Nathaniel Carrier - who is charged with his murder.

‘One tough cookie’

In May, on behalf of Kendrah’s family, Prince Albert Police released photos of the little girl recuperating in a Saskatoon hospital after surviving the vicious attack.

Her mother, Heather, said her daughter was nicknamed ‘one tough cookie’ during her hospital stay in Saskatoon and Edmonton Stollery Children’s Hospital where she had to have eight surgeries. She spent 51 days in hospital.

A hero’s welcome home

When Kendrah returned home to Prince Albert she was greeted with a hero’s welcome parade of vehicles consisting of police, paramedics, firefighters, family and friends.

“Wow, is this for me?” a surprised Kendrah asked when she saw the overwhelming community support. 

"That's for you, baby girl," her grandfather, Corey Ferchoff, could be heard saying.

Carrier remains in custody

Carrier was charged on April 1 with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder and he remains in custody.

According to Prince Albert Police, they went to the Carrier home on March 29 to do a welfare check at the request of a family member. Once inside, police found three people dead and a little girl in critical condition clinging to life.

Police noticed that Denis Carrier’s vehicle was missing, along with Nathaniel Carrier. They later learned that the vehicle was in La Ronge, Sask.  Carrier was arrested back in Prince Albert without incident on March 31.

Carrier’s next appearance in Prince Albert Provincial Court is on Dec. 17.