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RCMP investigation

Preliminary inquiry underway for accused in Damian Moosomin homicide

Apr 4, 2022 | 2:32 PM

The preliminary inquiry started Monday in North Battleford provincial court for one of several accused individuals facing a charge connected to the death of Damian Moosomin in 2020.

Jannay Blackbird, 32, from Saulteaux First Nation, is facing a charge of first-degree murder in the case.

During the preliminary inquiry the judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence for trial. A publication ban is in effect on the details of the hearing.

Four others are also facing charges. Melissa Semaganis of Poundmaker Cree Nation is charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Stormy Wapass-Semaganis of Edmonton is facing a charge of first-degree murder. Tye Partridge of Moosomin First Nation has been charged with first-degree murder. He is tentatively scheduled for a preliminary hearing in May, 2022. Also among the accused individuals is a male who was under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged offence. He is charged with accessory after the fact and cannot be identified in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

One of the suspects was previously sentenced in the case. Denver Roy of Sweetgrass First Nation received 10 months in custody and nine months probation after pleading guilty to the charge of offering an indignity to a dead body. An additional charge of accessory after the fact was withdrawn. There is a publication ban on the details of the case until after all the accused individuals have gone through the court process.

Damian Moosomin, 20, was found deceased in the backyard of a property in the 1500 block of 105th Street in North Battleford on May 16, 2020. He was originally reported missing to police on May 11 of that year.

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

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