Edmonton woman Tiki Laverdiere, 25, was last seen in North Battleford. (supplied photo/Battlefords RCMP)

By Angela Brown

Homicide investigation

Sangster preliminary hearing now into third week

Oct 13, 2020 | 2:28 PM

The preliminary hearing continues this week for one of the accused in Tiki Laverdiere’s homicide investigation.

Jesse Sangster, 24, who is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, improperly interfering with a human body and theft of a motor vehicle, was scheduled to appear starting today for the third and final week of his preliminary hearing at North Battleford Provincial Court.

During the preliminary inquiry the judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence for trial.

No details of the hearing can be made public due to a court-ordered ban on publication.

Due to COVID-19 regulations about social distancing and capacity restrictions, only a limited number of individuals are permitted inside the courtroom.

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Laverdiere, 25, was reported missing on May 12, 2019. She was last seen in North Battleford May 1, 2019. Her remains were found in a rural area outside North Battleford July 11, 2019 and confirmed to be the Edmonton woman on July 16, 2019.

In an interview with battlefordsNOW, Charlee Laverdiere, one of Tiki’s sisters, said attending the hearing has been difficult for the family.

“We just want to show everyone that she is loved, and that she is important, and that her life mattered,” she said.

Laverdiere’s mother, Carol, said the family continues to hope for justice for Tiki.

“I always miss her, every day,” she said. “It just doesn’t get easier. And, going through this – it’s hard.”

Carol added she just wishes “there were some heroes in this story.”

“They are all cowards,” she said.

While the hearing is underway, Carol said the family appreciates all the comfort offered from local supporters, including their spokesperson Krista Fox and her family and friends.

“If ever we are stuck we know who to call – Krista, her auntie, cousins, everybody,” Carol said.

During the first two weeks of the hearing, Diane Morin, the mother of missing North Battleford woman Ashley Morin, also stood outside the courthouse with Laverdiere’s family to show her support as well.

A community online auction fundraiser was held to help reduce some of the financial burden on the Laverdiere family while they are staying here during the hearing.

—

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow