BATTLEFORD – The first-degree murder trial for Soaring Eagle Whitstone in the death of Tiki Laverdiere of Edmonton was adjourned Wednesday in Battleford Court of King's Bench until Sept. 28.
Thirty-six-year-old Whitstone, who is from Onion Lake Cree Nation, is also charged with kidnapping, improperly interfering with human remains, and theft of a vehicle.
The trial started on Sept. 6 and was expected to last about four weeks.
North Battleford Senior Crown Chris Browne and Prosecutor Charlotte Morden are trying the cases of the 10 accused in Laverdiere's murder. Defence Chris Gratton from Saskatoon is representing Whitstone. Justice Brian Scherman from Saskatoon is presiding at the non-jury trial.
There is a ban on publication of all preliminary hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings until the trials of all the co-accused are concluded.
After Whitstone's trial is over, trials still remain for Jesse Sangster and Nicole Cook from Edmonton.
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 it 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.
Family and friends of Laverdiere have travelled from Alberta to attend the trials and preliminary hearings of all accused.
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