Maryanna Sakebow has been in custody since June, 2023 and was escorted to Court of King's Bench in Prince Albert by a Deputy Sheriff. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Tragic events

Fatal stabbing of teenage girl at Big River First Nation results in five-year sentence

Mar 6, 2025 | 3:53 PM

A young woman responsible for the stabbing death of a teenage girl had been using meth for two weeks and was experiencing hallucinations and hearing voices.

Those details were shared Thursday morning at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert, where 24-year-old Maryanna Sakebow received a five-year sentence for manslaughter.

Watching from the gallery were over half a dozen members of her family.

The case dates back to June 12, 2023. Just before 9:45 p.m., Big River RCMP responded to an assault on the Big River First Nation. There they found a 15-year-old girl who had been seriously assaulted and was later pronounced deceased by paramedics.

According to facts read in court by Crown Prosecutor MaryAnne Larson, the victim was stabbed multiple times, including a fatal blow to the chest. The victim had attempted to run for help but collapsed.

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“She ended up dying on the way to hospital,” Larson said.

The attack was unprovoked and also influenced by the fact Sakebow had been consuming meth for weeks.

Due to the victim’s age, no information can be published that might identify her, beyond they were related.

While there were no victim impact statements provided, Larson noted she had talked to the girl’s father and learned she loved being outside and helping him with chores.

The family also described a terrible loss.

Defence lawyer Ron Piche noted a number of psychiatric reports and significant discussions between lawyers.

“In a case like this there can be nothing more mitigating than a guilty plea,” he said, adding the plea saves the family the pain and trauma that comes from sitting through a trial.

While on remand, Sakebow has attended Sask Hospital and received programming and medication for her illness and addictions issues. Piche also noted she has tremendous family supports.

“This is a tragedy for both sides. My client has to live with this for the rest of her life.”

Sakebow, who was described as being very shy and anxious about attending court, was also provided the opportunity to speak.

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for taking her life and I pray for her everyday,” she said.

Sakebow also acknowledged there was nothing she could do to change the past and could only focus on a positive future.

With credit for pre-sentence custody, Sakebow has roughly two years and four months left to serve. Upon her release, she will also be subject to a 10-year firearms prohibition.

Thursday’s sentence represented a joint submission and was accepted by Justice John Morrall.

“Sentencing is more of an art than a science,” he explained, adding every case is unique.

Noting manslaughter cases can vary from cases of accidents to murder and typically carry a sentencing range of four to 12 years, Morrall confirmed he had considered the mental state of the accused as well as the fact the attack was unprovoked and involved a young victim.

“I do understand the impact this had on the family,” he stated, and thanked all the family members present in court who attended.

He also encouraged Sakebow to use her time in custody wisely and to seek out help.

“Make your life worth something by honouring (the victm). Your life can have meaning,” he said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social