BATTLEFORD – Prosecuting 10 people charged with the murder of Tiki Laverdiere over the past five years presented its own set of challenges.
Video: Prosecuting the 10 charged
North Battleford Senior Crown Chris Browne and Prosecutor Charlotte Morden prosecuted all the cases of the 10 people convicted in Laverdiere's murder.
“This is a situation where 10 people were charged with this homicide for their involvement in this homicide and all 10 people were held accountable so I think it speaks to the justice system doing what it’s supposed to do and holding those accountable for these types of crimes,” Browne said on April 26 after the sentencing hearing for Jesse Sangster, the last of the 10 to be convicted.
Browne said this was a complex prosecution involving 10 co-accused with various statements.
“That being said, I would commend the actions of the RCMP and their investigation. They did a superb investigation. They provided the prosecution with the tools to seek justice in these cases.
“Those that had guilty pleas and found guilty have been held accountable for their actions,” he added.
Defence counsel Patrick McDougall, who represented Shayla Orthner, had told the court that Tiki Laverdiere’s murder was the most horrific gang murder in the province’s history.
Browne said it’s uncertain how the murder has affected the Battlefords.
“I can’t speculate on how it has impacted the community. I can say obviously the community doesn’t necessarily know all the details because of the publication bans at this point. I think we will see the impact on the community once they are aware of this.”
Laverdiere family reacts
“We will never have true closure for our Tiki. We are so thankful to everyone who worked to bring us answers and hold those responsible accountable,” said the Laverdiere family in a statement through the RCMP.
“No amount of time will change the way our lives have been impacted by having Tiki taken from us. Tiki was the most kind-hearted, loving person. Her two sons will never again get to feel the embrace of their mother’s arms around them, she won’t be there for them when they need her most, and they will never hear her tell them how much she loves them. We have a huge hole in our lives where she should be and today’s sentencing can’t change that.”
Tiki Laverdiere’s disappearance and homicide launched an extensive investigation led by Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes, with active support from over 20 additional RCMP units and four partner agencies. The investigation spanned two provinces, nine crimes scenes and saw over 120 witnesses interviewed.
As a result of the investigation and following multi-year court proceedings, 10 individuals were convicted for their role in the disappearance and homicide of Tiki Brook-Lyn Laverdiere: two people convicted of first-degree murder, one person convicted of second-degree murder, three people convicted of manslaughter, three people convicted of being an accessory after the fact to murder and one person convicted of kidnapping.
“Homicide investigations are all unique and have their own complexities. Depending on the circumstances our investigators are able to pull in the appropriate units and agencies to move the investigation forward.” said Inspector, Ashley St. Germaine, Acting Officer in Charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes.
“When you consider the geographical spread and number of people charged, it was important to pull on as many of the expertly trained investigative resources we have available to get answers for Tiki’s family and bring her justice. Each and every one of the approximately 100 investigators felt this weight immensely and dedicated their time and efforts to ensuring we were able to do just that”
This report by SaskToday.ca first published on April 26, 2024 and updated on April 29, 2024, and May 3, 2024.
Read related stories containing never before published details in Tiki Laverdiere's murder and the convictions of the 10 accused.
-Torture, murder of Tiki Laverdiere a real life 'horror movie': Prosecutor
-The Alta. murder that led to Tiki Laverdiere's murder in Sask.
-Tiki Laverdiere’s life mattered: Justice Zerr
-Tiki Laverdiere murder: Who are the 10 people convicted?
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