Edmonton's Tiki Laverdiere. (supplied photo/RCMP)

By Tyler Marr

ON THE DOCKET

‘All around hurt’: Second woman charged in Laverdiere death appears in court

Jul 24, 2019 | 11:43 AM

Danita Thomas was on the verge of tears at times as she stood in the prisoner’s box for her first court appearance for charges in the death of Tiki Laverdiere.

The 32-year-old is the second woman charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, improperly interfering with a human body and theft of a motor vehicle in relation to Laverdiere’s death.

Judge Klause issued Thomas a no contact order for several individuals who could be potential co-accused or offer evidence in the case.

Her matter was adjourned to Aug. 2.

Thomas was arrested on the afternoon of July 23, a few days after Shayla Orthner, 27, was arrested and charged in the ongoing homicide investigation. Orthner was issued a no contact order for 25 individuals when she appeared in provincial court earlier this week.

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Krista Fox, a family friend of Ashley Morin, who has been missing for over a year, attended court to show her solidarity for Laverdiere’s family and mother Carol.

Outside of court she said it hurt more to see women and mothers allegedly involved in Laverdiere’s death.

“Tiki has two small boys at home. Both of these women have children. Sit back and think for a minute how your children would feel and are going to feel,” she said.

When asked how she was feeling, Fox replied: “All around hurt.”

Laverdiere’s remains were found in a rural area outside of North Battleford on July 11. The Edmonton woman was reported missing on May 12 after coming to the area in late April to attend a funeral on the Thunderchild First Nation.

Officers have said they expect to make additional arrests in the coming weeks.

—

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr