BATTLEFORD – A non-jury trial for a North Battleford woman charged in the death of 25-year-old Tiki Laverdiere of Edmonton has been adjourned.
Danita Thomas’ trial, which started Jan. 24, was adjourned Wednesday and will continue on Feb. 15.
Thomas is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, theft of a vehicle, and improperly interfering with a body.
North Battleford Senior Crown Chris Browne and Prosecutor Charlotte Morden are trying the cases against all of the 10 accused in Laverdiere's murder. Defence Erin Little of Saskatoon represents Thomas. Justice Richard W. Elson of Saskatoon is presiding.
Laverdiere was reported missing to Battlefords RCMP on May 12, 2019. On June 10, 2019, RCMP announced that Laverdiere’s disappearance was the result of foul play and they would be investigating her disappearance 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.
Ten people were charged with Laverdiere’s murder. Five have been sentenced. There is a ban on publication of all preliminary hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings until the trials of all the co-accused are concluded.
The charges against the remaining co-accused haven’t been proven in court.
ljoy@glaciermedia.ca
