NORTH BATTLEFORD - The four-day trial for 42-year-old Naomi Jean Yellowtail, who is accused of burning down a three-storey, 20-unit apartment building, started Monday in North Battleford Provincial Court.
Crown Prosecutor Scott Bartlett told the court that he plans to call 30 witnesses. Of those, 24 have been subpoenaed and the Crown plans to ask the court to issue witness warrants. On Monday, the Crown is expected to call six to seven witnesses. They are all civilian witnesses with the exception of three who are members of the fire department. Crown Prosecutor Cara Hill is assisting Bartlett.
Yellowtail is represented by defence counsel Carl Swenson and Mike Nolin. Judge Michelle Baldwin is presiding.
Yellowtail came into the courtroom handcuffed and shackled and sat in the prisoner's box.
In September 2022, Yellowtail's co-accused, Keeanu Crookedneck was sentenced to three years in prison on a charge of arson with disregard for human life.
Battlefords RCMP had received a call about an apartment fire on 102nd Street in North Battleford at about 1:25 a.m. on Jan. 3, 2022. When they arrived the building was fully engulfed in flames. Seventeen residents and six emergency responders required medical treatment.
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