BATTLEFORD – The first-degree murder trial for a 36-year-old Onion Lake woman accused of killing 25-year-old Tiki Laverdiere of Edmonton has concluded in Battleford Court of King's Bench.
Justice Brian Scherman reserved his decision on the guilt or innocence of Soaring Eagle Whitstone until November.
Whitstone is also charged with kidnapping, improperly interfering with human remains, and theft of a vehicle.
Defence Chris Gratton from Saskatoon represents Whitstone. North Battleford Senior Crown Chris Browne and Prosecutor Charlotte Morden are trying the cases of the 10 people accused in Laverdiere's murder.
There is a ban on publication of all preliminary hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings until the trials of all the co-accused are concluded.
Laverdiere was reported missing to Battlefords RCMP on May 12, 2019, and one month later, RCMP announced that her disappearance was the result of foul play and they would be investigating her death as a homicide.
On July 11, 2019, a police dog found Laverdiere's remains in a rural area outside of North Battleford while RCMP were conducting a ground search.
Laverdiere was in Saskatchewan April 2019 for the funeral of 20-year-old Tristen Cook-Buckle on Thunderchild First Nation.
— Click for more from Crime, Cops and Court.
