Crown prosecutor Chris Browne is seen outside the courthouse Tuesday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Homicide investigation

Nikita Cook pleads not guilty on charges in Tiki Laverdiere death

Sep 7, 2021 | 4:00 PM

One of the accused individuals in the Tiki Laverdiere homicide investigation has plead not guilty following the beginning of an expected five-week trial at Queen’s Bench Court in Battleford.

Nikita Cook, 33 of Lloydminster, entered not guilty pleas for both charges of first-degree murder in the death of Laverdiere and kidnapping Laverdiere with intent to cause her to be confined against her will.

Justice Brenda Hildebrandt is presiding in the case. Chris Browne is assisted by Charlotte Morden for the Crown prosecution, while defence lawyer Evan Strelioff is representing Nikita Cook.

Nikita Cook’s trial started Sept. 7. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

The court ordered a publication ban on all details of the trial proceedings, including evidence and victim impact statements, until the judge or jury, depending on the matter, involving all the accused individuals have retired to consider their verdict.

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Nikita Cook was originally scheduled to stand trial starting Jan. 11 but the date was moved to Aug. 30 due to COVID-19 precautions. Then, it was postponed again.

The court currently has masking protocols, capacity restrictions and social distancing in effect due to COVID-19 precautions.

Laverdiere, 25, was reported missing on May 12, 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 of that year.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow