(file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Tyler Marr

LAVERDIERE HOMICIDE

‘Substantive batch’ of evidence expected at month’s end in Laverdiere investigation: Crown

Sep 6, 2019 | 2:06 PM

A substantive new batch of evidence in the Tiki Laverdiere homicide investigation is expected to be released to counsel at end of September, according to one Crown prosecutor on the file.

Chris Browne cited this to Judge Pelletier behind case adjournments for four suspects who appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on Friday.

All aside from Jesse Sangster, who had his matter put over until Oct. 11, will be back in court on Oct. 18 via closed-circuit television.

On Aug. 30, charges were upgraded against 23-year-old Sangster to first-degree murder, kidnapping, improperly interfering with a human body and theft of a motor vehicle. The prior charge of accessory after the fact to murder was withdrawn.

Brent Checkosis, 18, was set to appear via closed-circuit television from the Saskatoon Correctional Centre but he remains in custody in a medical unit after he was stabbed and seriously injured on Aug. 22.

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Browne told the court he is of the understanding Checkosis is unable to communicate with his defence lawyer and there is no firm date for his recovery. Counsel appeared in court by phone for Checkosis.

Danita Thomas, 32, who was arrested on July 23, is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, improperly interfering with a human body and theft of a motor vehicle. She made a brief appearance on these and three minor charges that include obstruction, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and failure to comply. She faces a total of 14 charges.

Shayla Orthner, 27, appeared on charges for first-degree murder, kidnapping, improperly interfering with a human body and theft of a motor vehicle.

The no-contact order for 25 individuals who could provide evidence or be co-accused in the case was renewed for each suspect.

Four others are charged in connection to the Edmonton woman’s death on May 1.

Soaring Eagle Whitstone, 33, and Nicole Cook, 36, face charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, improperly interfering with a human body and theft of a motor vehicle.

Cook is the mother of Tristen Cook-Buckle, whose funeral Laverdiere attended on April 27 on the Thunderchild First Nation.

Nikita Sandra Cook, 31, is charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Mavis Quinn Takekenew, 55, is facing a charge of accessory after the fact to murder.

Laverdiere was reported missing on May 12 after she last made contact with her family on May 1. Her disappearance was deemed the result of foul play by the Saskatchewan RCMP on June 10.

Human remains were found in a rural area outside of North Battleford on July 11 and an autopsy confirmed them to be the Edmonton woman on July 16.

Between July 20 and Aug. 15, all eight people were arrested and charged in connection to Laverdiere’s death.

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tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr