CASES IN SASKATCHEWAN

MURDERED

Jarita Naistus

JARITA BRITTANY NAISTUS, aged 20, of Onion Lake FN, SK, found dead in a motel room in Lloydminster Sunday, October 2, 2005, by a cleaning staff. Investigators are saying only that she suffered evident physical trauma, but are not releasing autopsy results on cause of death.
Staff Sgt. Mike Yanota of the Lloydminster RCMP says the homicide investigation made little progress over the long weekend and investigators have yet to receive any substantial leads from the public. r team is still working day and night on it, but there’s no late-breaking news to report,” said Yanota, adding they are still without suspects. “A lot of people have been questioned and interviewed, but we’re not to the point where we’re looking at any particular individual(s) right now. One of the biggest reasons we withhold information with cases like this is if we do start getting a rash of tips coming in, it helps us quickly evaluate them,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Yanota of the Lloydminster RCMP. “The long and short of it is if certain details haven’t been released to the public and we do get information that is close to the crime, we know the person providing that information is worth pursuing.
“We know the tip is probably genuine and they are probably close to the situation or heard the story from somebody who was there because nobody else knows but us.” Yanota said the investigation is making headway and investigators have conducted about 50 interviews, none of which have produced enough evidence to make an arrest. “We are narrowing it down and starting to piece together where she spent Saturday evening and who she may have last been with, but we don’t have anyone in custody yet,” said Yanota, adding Naistus attended a local nightclub the night before her body was found.
He also declined comment on whether Naistus herself had rented the room where her body was found and whether investigators believe she was killed in the room or her body was left there. Naistus’ exact time of death remains under investigation. Jarita , a Journalism student at Lakeland College, left an impression on many during her short stint at Lakeland College and a candlelight memorial was held, ensured her memory will live on forever.
Angela Rugama and Tera Hartter of the Lakeland College Students’ Association arranged the vigil with the consent and cooperation of the Naistus family and although the turnout wasn’t what they were hoping for, the ceremony marked a heartfelt goodbye to a fallen student, friend and mother of two.
“It was very emotional, but still positive and our whole aim was to arrange a positive remembrance ceremony,” said Rugama. “We wanted to comfort her family and show respect for Jarita because her life meant something to a lot of people.” About 50 people donned purple ribbons and held candles throughout the roughly two-hour memorial – a majority being Naistus’ family and friends who made the trek in from Onion Lake – as Jarita’s uncle, Glenn Littlewolfe, performed a ceremonial smudging, her sister Eaglefeather Littlewolfe and brother-in-law Joey read a poem, and Rugama sang a rendition of Sarah McLachlan’s I Will Remember You, among other spiritual and cultural proceedings.
However, the ceremony was highlighted by Littlewolfe and Rugama unveiling the Jarita Naistus Memorial Award – a stone carving created by Littlewolfe himself along with a $200 scholarship – which will be handed out annually to a student excelling in all-around dedication to continuing his or her education through positive attendance and marks.
The Students Association also announced the creation of Lifetime Savings Accounts for each of Jarita’s two young children, which the college plans to host annual fundraisers to garner support for.
”Jarita was always talking about her kids and saying that if anything was to happen to her, the one thing she wanted was for her kids to be taken care of,” said Rugama, who has fond memories of the first-year tourism student. “Her classroom was just across the way from mine, so our breaks were at the same time and we always bumped into each other in the hallway. She was always smiling and laughing and really seemed to enjoy her time at Lakeland. She was undoubtedly the leader of her class and everyone referred to her as Super Mom because she always had her kids and was still making an effort to better herself education-wise.”
If anyone has information concerning this homicide, they are asked to contact the Lloydminster Municipal Detachment at (306) 825-6350 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online. Please remember, in investigations of this nature, any and all detail, no matter how irrelevant you may think they are, can be extremely helpful. Remember, with Crime Stoppers we need your information, not your name.
Source: Meridian Booster

Amber Tara-Lynn Redman

AMBER TARA-LYNN REDMAN, aged 19, from Standing Buffalo First Nation northeast of Regina was last seen July 15, 2005, at about 2:30 a.m . in Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask.
Her mother, Gwenda Yuzicappi, says it's not like her daughter to stay away from home without calling.
Standing Buffalo Chief Rodger Redman, Amber's uncle, says his niece graduated from high school two years ago and was taking some university courses. "She was a typical teenager."
On the night she vanished, Amber was seen speaking to someone in a grey, older sedan outside Trapper's Bar.
She was wearing denim jeans, a blue denim shirt and blue metal earrings in the shape of a heart with two eagle feathers. She is five-foot-eight and about 126 pounds.
Chief Redman says he believes police are doing what they can. But an immediate in-depth search and more national media attention could have been a crucial help to find Amber, he adds.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Qu'Appelle RCMP at 1-306-332-2222.




MISSING

Melanie Geddes

MELANIE GEDDES, aged 24 from Regina, SK disappeared Saturday, August 13, 2005.
Her mother, Valerie Smokeyday, says it's not like the 24-year-old to disappear. She is married and has three young children she loves.
Searchers have looked for Melanie in the city's north end, adding that there are a lot of concerned family members.
Melanie was last seen at a residence in the 900 block of Robinson Street at approximately 1:00 a.m., August 13, 2005. She reportedly left the house to return to her home in the 1100 block of Athol Street, but did not arrive.
Family members, concerned for her safety, reported her absence. She has not been in touch with family and police have not been able to locate her to check on her welfare.
Twenty-four year-old Melanie is described as female, Aboriginal, approximately 5’ 9” tall, weighing about 200 pounds, with long curly black hair and brown eyes. She has a birthmark under her left eye. She was last seen wearing a sleeveless, white, button-front blouse, blue denim capri-length pants and a black belt.
Anyone who has information that could help police locate Melanie Dawn Geddes is asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 777-6500 or call Crime Stoppers at 545-TIPS or 545-8477.



MISSING

Wynona Umpherville

WYNONA UMPHERVILLE, aged 12 of Saskatoon disappeared on June 15, 2005.
She is described as an Aboriginal female, 5'1", 95 pounds, with brown eyes and long brown hair. She wears glasses.
Wynona was last seen June 15 when she was returned to a group home after running away from there at the end of May. Wynona has been reported missing on several occasions in the past but is usually located in a fairly short period of time.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Wynona Umpherville, please contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 975-8300.



MURDERED

Florence Frenchman


FLORENCE FRENCHMAN, aged 60, a member of Moosomin First Nation, was beaten to death in North Battleford SK, in August, 2005.
Three young girls have been charged with her murder and are out on bail awaiting trial.
Florence's husband was also severely beaten in the same attack. Police say this was not gang related.



MISSING

LEONA SANDERSON, aged 24, of Saskatoon, SK, was last seen by a friend at her home in the Kelsey Woodlawn area, May 29, 2005 at 3:30 AM.
Leona is described as Aboriginal female, approx,5' 7" in height, 140 lbs, Last seen wearing a white tank top with orange shirt over it, blue jeans ,green belt with gold buckle that says,' Kansas City' , brown leather high heal shoes, brown leather purse.
She may be in the company of a male by the name of Jean Paul Domhof operating a 2002 GMC Sierra pickup truck License number 553-DTB Grey in color.

If anyone has any information as to her whereabouts please contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 975-8300.



MURDERED

Farro Bird

FARRO BIRD, aged 19 of Montreal Lake Cree First Nation, Saskatchewan was shot to death on March 2, 2005.
RCMP were called to the reserve after receiving reports of shots being fired in the small community northwest of Prince Albert. Once there, they found the bodies of the three victims.
The three killed include Farro Bird, a 19-year-old woman, Kerry Naytowhow, a 19-year-old man, and Greg Naytowhow, 27, Kerry's brother.
The suspect, whose name can't be reported under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with three counts of first degree murder.



MISSING

Tamra Jewel Keepness

TAMRA JEWEL KEEPNESS, aged 5, of Regina Saskatchewan disappeared from her bed sometime during the night of Monday July 5, 2004. She was last seen around 11 PM that night. In the morning, she was nowhere to be found, and her family contacted police just after lunch Tuesday, after doing their own preliminary search.
Tamra lived with her mother, and five siblings, including her twin, in Regina's inner city.
Police say search and rescue organizations from Regina and Moose Jaw are helping out, and the city's major crimes unit is involved as well.
Tamra's father,Troy Keepness told reporters he hopes she's found as soon as possible.
"It's not like her to go off by herself," he said.
More than 20 police officers have been assigned to the search.
The circumstances of Keepness' disappearance -- from her bedroom overnight -- bear haunting similarity to those of Toronto's Cecilia Zhang.
It's a coincidence weighing on everyone who knows the missing girl.
"We hope that everything turns out okay," Keepness' aunt, Jamie Fabel told CTV. "We're just hoping for the best."
Described as aboriginal, with short, bobbed brown hair and brown eyes, Tamra stands at three foot five and with a slim build, weighs approximately 40 pounds. When she was last seen, she was wearing a light blue striped halter top with pink accents, light blue jeans, and pink and white shoes.
Anyone who has seen the girl, or has any information pertaining to her whereabouts is being asked to contact the Regina Police Service at (306) 777-6500 or call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

MISSING

Dahleen Kay Bosse

DAHLEEN KAY BOSSE, aged 24, of Saskatoon, SK. disappeared May 18, 2004.
Dahleen is a fourth-year education student at the University of Saskatchewan and the mother of a three-year-old girl. She disappeared May 18 after an Assembly of First Nations function.
Her mother, Pauline Muskego, has been meeting with police and trying to console their granddaughter. "Every time we come back she says 'Did you find my mom?'" she said. "And we say, 'Not yet, we're still looking.' We're continuing to tell her that we're looking for her mom, that we will find her and that she'll be OK." Frustrated by the lack of progress Muskego hired a private investigator earlier this month.
Todd Hrabok of Saskatoon Private Investigations, said Bosse may have been spotted at a bank machine a couple of days after she disappeared, but her ATM card doesn't seem to have been used since then. He also said the discovery of the missing woman's car last month hints at foul play. "There's a lot of kilometers put on the car. There's a steering wheel cover that was missing. Some floor mats from the front, seat covers from seats, and a child seat in the back," he said. "Generally what I think as an investigator is that's a clean up of a crime scene. We wouldn't like to think of it that way but that's the way it's looking."
The Onion Lake First Nation, where Muskego lives, has posted a $5,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of Ms. Bosse.
She was last seen on Friday, May 21, 2004 at the Scotia Bank in the Circle Centre on 8th St. Mall.
Bosse is 25 years old, born 1979-03-25, she is of native descent and described as being 5'5", 175 lb., black shoulder length hair, medium complexion and she wears glasses. Daleen was driving a 2002 Chev Cavalier white in colour, Sask. Licence 764 DJS which has been located
Daleen is Member of the Onion Lake First Nation. That band office is offering a reward for information.
The family would like Daleen to know that they are very concerned of her well-being and would like her to return safely.
THIS $5000 REWARD WILL BE AWARDED TO THE PERSON OR PERSONS INSTRUMENTAL IN LOCATING DALEEN KAY BOSSE (MUSKEGO).*
If you have any information please call:
Pauline at (306) 821-7610
or Delores at 1-888-217-8625 – ext. #226,
or Todd, Private Investigator, at (306) 975-0999 or 1-866-372-7574.
ALL CALLS WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
* The payment of this reward shall be determined solely in the discretion of the Onion Lake First Nation




MURDERED


Naomi Leigh Desjarlais

NAOMI LEIGH DESJARLAIS , aged 21, shot and killed March 25, 1987 in Regina.
Naomi's nude body was found in the northeast outskirts of the city at about 7:30 a.m. March 27. She had been shot sometime during the night and her body left in the west ditch of the road leading to the city dump.
According to RCMP S. Sgt. Garvin Shearer, investigators are following all leads but have run into a number of dead ends.
When last seen the 21-year-old Regina woman was wearing a brown three-quarter length coat, black fashion boots, a black miniskirt a purple sweater, black fancy style pantyhose and was carrying a black purse.
Investigators believe that the discovery of any or all of Desjarlais's clothes may hold the clue as to who killed her.
Anyone with information is asked to call the RCMP detachment at 306-780-5570.

UNSOLVED







Jaime Wheeler
MURDERED



JAIME WHEELER , aged 20, from Nipawin
(Stabbed to death March 12, 2000)

Jaime was in the third year of a psychology degree program, shared a basement suite with a friend in Saskatoon and worked at a restaurant.

“Friends of Jaime described her as having a fun-loving, trusting nature that endeared her to everyone she met” say police.

A suspect has been arrested.





Donna Marie Kasyon
MURDERED


DONNA MARIE KASYON , age 20
(Stabbed to death on Saturday, June 15, 2002)

Police attended in the 3100 block of Laurier Drive at 12:45 a.m., after being notified by Saskatoon Transit of an injured woman. The woman was rushed to Royal University Hospital, where she later died as a result of being stabbed in the chest.

Police are requesting the public’s assistance in this investigation. It is known that Donna was last seen between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m., Friday, June 14th in the 1900 block of 22nd Street West. Police are trying to determine her whereabouts between then and when she was found at 12:45 a.m. Saturday.

Donna was described as being 20 years old, Aboriginal, 5’5” in height, 122 pounds, brown eyes, shoulder length brown hair done up at the back, wearing a green wrap-around mini skirt and a white button up sleeveless blouse.

Donna was involved in the sex trade and may have been proceeding to the Avenue R & 21st Street area of the stroll, when she was last observed in the 1900 block of 22nd Street. Police cannot confirm that her murder was a result of being involved in the sex trade, but are considering that possibility.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Major Crime Section at 975-8440 or Crime Stoppers at 931-8477.

For further information contact Sgt. Keith Atkinson, 975-8209.



MURDERED


Maxine Wapass

MAXINE WAPASS , age 23. (Disappeared May 16, 2002)

Maxine's sister, Marilyn reported missing to the police on June 5, 2002,after she failed to show up at her boyfriend's reserve.

Saskatoon Police Service said it is believed Wapass was killed within the city and that her body was moved to the wooded spot near Asquith where her remains were found imn November, 2002.

The first of Maxine's remains were found by a hunter near Asquith, 16 kilometres west of Saskatoon. Those bones were identified by comparing their DNA to that of her father.

In February, the family held a funeral at the Wapass home reserve, Thunderchild First Nation. When more remains were discovered , the grave had to be reopened for their burial, Maxine's cousin, Kyla said.

Maxine's relatives held a traditional ceremony with an Elder in the bush where the remains were found.

Marilyn has said that Maxine had a rough life, that her mother, who died about 12 years ago, drank a lot and that Maxine had become involved in street life, including drug use and prostitution.

But she was also a dear sister and a loving aunt who is fondly remembered by Marilyn's children.

A 31-year-old man has been charged with Maxine's murder.

Police said Bear and Wapass knew each other.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Major Crime Section at 975-8440 or Crime Stoppers at 931-8477.

For further information contact Sgt. Keith Atkinson, 975-8209.



UNSOLVED



ALLYSON BALL MISSING

Allyson Ball

ALLYSON BALL, aged 13, of Regina, SK, disappeared on September 6, 2005. She was last seen with a 20 year-old man named Ryan Knight. Mr.Knight came from Winnipeg, has no address but was staying with various acquaintances.
Allyson is described as Aboriginal, 5ft. 117lbs. She was last seen wearing a white top, jeans, black runners with pink, and a black bunny hug.
Anyone knowing of Allyson or Ryan Knight’s whereabouts is asked to contact 949-3925 or 757-1277 or call the Regina city police 777-6500.



MURDERED


Jacqueline Charles

JACQUELINE CHARLES, of Saskatoon, SK was murdered on March 10th, 2004 at 607 Ave. D North in Saskatoon.
Update:

Oct. 28th, 2005, Saskatoon Police attended 800 33rd Street West. The purpose was to arrest a suspect regarding the March 10, 2004, murder of Jacqueline Charles.
Upon arrival, Police observed the suspect, a 40 year old male, sleeping in the basement of the home. Police attempted to wake him with negative results. Concerned over his well being, an ambulance was called and the suspect was transported to Royal University Hospital.
There is no further information regarding the suspect, or if charges have been laid.

'

MURDERED

Pamela Jean George

PAMELA JEAN GEORGE , aged 28, of the Sakimay First Nation
(Found face down in a ditch West of Regina on the morning of April 18, 1995)

The 28-year-old mother of two was the victim of a tragic and violent homicide. Steven Tyler Kummerfield, 20 years old, and Alexander Dennis Ternowetsky, 19 years old, were charged with first degree murder in her death.

According to Kummerfield's testimony, he and Ternowetsky met in the evening of April 17, 1995 for drinks. They first shared a nearly full 40-ounce bottle of Southern Comfort. After 11 p.m., they picked up a 12-pack of high alcohol beer from a downtown beer outlet.

While Kummerfield testified that their only plan was to drink that evening, they did look for a prostitute. With Ternowetsky in the trunk, Kummerfield picked up Pamela George and drove out on a gravel road to a spot near the airport.

Kummerfield then let Ternowetsky out of the trunk. At this time, Pamela George started to scream and tried to escape. The two men caught her and returned her to the car where, according to Kummerfield, they had oral sex. They then proceeded to beat her.

Dr Modesto Escanlar, who testified for the Crown, described her injuries as being consistent with blows from a blunt object. He stated that the beating gave Pamela George a broken nose, swollen eyes and hand, cuts on her face and lips and numerous bruises that covered her upper body especially her head.

On April 19, 1995, Tyler Stuart, a friend of Kummerfield, asked him what he had done the night before. Stuart says that Kummerfield replied,

"Not much. We drove around, got drunk and killed this chick."

Under cross examination, Stuart qualified the statement by saying,

"I think we killed her."

He also testified that Kummerfield told him they threatened to kill Pamela George if she refused to have sex with them.

Stuart also related a telephone call from Ternowetsky and said his friend told him, "She deserved it. She was an Indian." In a later telephone call, Ternowetsky told him "he was real drunk and couldn't remember a lot of it."

After the testimony of almost 30 witnesses, Mr Justice Ted Malone, of the Court of Queen's Bench told the all-white jury it would be "very dangerous' to convict Kummerfield and Ternowetsky of first degree murder.

He also told them to bear in mind that Pamela "indeed was a prostitute" when considering if she consented to having sex with the accused.

The jury returned a guilty verdict to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Public reaction to the verdict was swift and widespread. A coalition of Regina-based women's groups filed a formal complaint against Mr. Justice Malone to the Canadian Judicial Council for the inappropriate comments during his charge to the jury. The National Action Committee on the Status of Women said the judge's remarks "dehumanized women and trivialized the murder".

Blaine Favel, Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, called the verdict "one of the most unjust in Saskatchewan judicial history".

In an open viewpoint in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix (February 7, 1997) Chief Favel wrote, "There have been over 20 major justice studies over the past 15 years, including one in Saskatchewan in 1993, which have all come to the same conclusion. First Nations people experience racism and systemic discrimination in the criminal justice system both as accused and victim. In the Pamela George case, we have seen little respect for Aboriginal persons. First Nations will not have respect for the justice system until it is changed."

Immediately after the verdict, Chief Favel also wrote a letter to the Acting Attorney General, Eric Kline. He said, "I submit to you, as the Attorney General for this province, to strongly consider appealing this case and, if successful, argue for a verdict that would be appropriate considering the circumstances under which it was committed so that justice is not only done but also seen to be done."

“Once again, Indian people are victimized by a system that does not reflect our values and the lives of our people are devalued by the courts.”
-Vice-Chief Lindsay Cyr

December 6, 2000

In December 1996, Steven Kummerfield and Alex Ternowetsky were convicted by jury of manslaughter for the murder and sentenced to 6˝ years each by Justice Ted Malone. Judge Malone instructed the jury to remember that George was "indeed a prostitute," when considering whether she consented to the sexual assault. The issue of consent was important in determining whether the young men should be convicted of manslaughter rather than first-degree murder. Ternowetsky hid in the trunk of the car when they picked Pam George up, so that she wouldn't know that there were two of them. She was beaten so badly that her family couldn't open the casket for her funeral. The manslaughter conviction was appealed byCrown prosecutor Matt Miazga.

Kummerfield was paroled November 10, 2000, after serving just under four years in New Brunswick, because officials feared for his safety in a Saskatchewan prison where there is a large Native population. He is now living in a half-way house in Vancouver

Ternowetsky was granted day parole in August, 2000. He was returned to prison in 2002 for violence against his current girlfriend.



MURDERED

Janet Sylvestre

JANET SYLVESTRE , aged 38.
(Murdered - October, 1994.)

Janet's naked body was discovered in a grove of trees near Saskatoon. No one has been charged with her murder. John Crawford was suspected but never charged.

During the same period, Shirley Lonethunder ominously disappeared from a nearby First Nations community. She has not been found. The fact that she has been missing for so many years has never been publicized. Was John Crawford responsible for her murder as well?


UPDATE - SEPT 25, 2002


Cynthia Baldhead previously reported missing at the same time has been located alive and well.



UNSOLVED






Shirley Lonethunder
MISSING


SHIRLEY LONETHUNDER originally from White Bear First Nation in southeast Saskatchewan.
(Disappeared in 1991)


UNSOLVED






Crystal Paskemin
MURDERED



CRYSTAL LEE PASKEMIN, aged 21

Crystal met Kenneth David Mackay at Saskatoon's Longbranch Saloon on Dec. 29, 2000. Crystal worked as a waitress at a different bar, the Double Deuce Bar and Grill.

Mackay said he gave Paskemin a ride home, but they ended up on a gravel road to the northeast of Saskatoon.

He admitted he became angry with her and said he threw her out of his truck, but then changed his mind and drove back to pick her up. That, he said, was when she slipped under the wheels of the vehicle.

"Simply the fact that this was a young, attractive girl taken out to an isolated, lonely stretch of road in the middle of winter and found nude, I think there's a lot of evidence a jury could conclude a sexual assault had occurred and they obviously came to that conclusion," Ritter ( Crown Attorney) said outside court.
During the trial, the Crown Attorney proved that the accused,:
The Crown alleges that the accused :- - struck the victim with such force as to completely break her jaw and dislodge a tooth;
- ran over the head of the victim with his truck, crushing her head and causing her death;
- set fire to the upper part of her body, with resultant superficial burning;
- attached a chain to the left leg of the deceased and to his truck and dragged her body down roads a distance of 2.8 kilometres (1.74 miles);
- scooped out a shallow depression in the snow at the bottom of a ditch, placed the body in it and covered it with snow



Paskemin's burned body was found buried in the snow four weeks after she disappeared. Her jaw was broken and one of her teeth was found near her body.

During the trial, the jury took a field trip to where her body was found.

It was the same spot where Mackay had urinated when police took him out to look for the body a few days before it was found, according to RCMP Cpl. Kirby Buckingham.

Court also heard that Mackay's toilet clogged up and flooded his bathroom after he tried to flush Paskemin's red cowboy hat.

The trial was told that during an early interrogation of Mackay, he denied killing Paskemin and hinted someone else could have stolen his truck and used it in the crime.

During his charge to the jury, Justice Irving Goldenberg pointed out that although none of Mackay's semen or DNA was found on Paskemin's body, they were not necessary to prove a sexual assault took place.

Determining whether there was a sexual assault could be relevant in deciding between first-degree and second-degree murder, the judge explained.

A jury deliberated for 8˝ hours before deciding to reject Kenneth David Mackay's contention that Crystal Paskemin, 21, accidentally fell under the wheel of his truck, and that he dragged her body out of compassion because he didn't want it to be hit by another car.

Mackay showed no emotion as the verdict was read. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
To read some of the trial report, click Here







MISSING


Victoria Nashacappo
VICTORIA NASHACAPPO aged 22, disappeared from Saskatoon, in September, 2002. No further details available at this time.
UNSOLVED




MURDERED

Amelia Janet Papastesis

AMELIA JANET PAPESTESIS, aged 26 of Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Alberta was found dead on January 7th, 2006 at a residence. after Valleyview RCMP responded to a complaint of an unconscious female at a residence at the Sturgeon Lake First Nations.
The woman did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead at the scene.
No further details are available as to her cause of death, pending autopsy results, however her 55 year old uncle, Patrick James Martineau has been charged in her death.
Family members of the young woman, who had a seven-year-old daughter, are struggling to cope with the loss. "She was a good-hearted woman. She loved everybody," Papastesis's aunt, Myra Kiyawasew, said from the reserve Sunday night. "She was beautiful."





MURDERED

Sheila Kahnapace

SHEILA KAHNAPACE , aged 19 of Regina Saskatchewan died November 19, 2000 as the result of hypothermia.
Sheila had been out drinking on the night she died. She called a cab and asked the driver to drive her to an address in Regina. When she arrived she could not find her money. Her cab far was $4.05. Despite several attempts at finding her money, she was unable to. The cab drver, Melvin Johnson, decided he was losing business by wasting so much time with this situation so he called his dispatcher and asked that the police be called. He was told the police would take approximately 30 minutes so he decided to take Sheila's coat as collateral. He told her that when she found her money to call him and he would return the coat. He also said he would add on a surcharge of $3.00 for his troubles. Sheila was unable to walk to the door herself so he helped her. He then relayed this information to his dispatcher and drove off, leaving Sheila on the front step of the address. This was not where Sheila lived however.
A while later he found Sheila's key and drove back to the house where he found Sheila still sitting outside on the steps. He asked a neighbour if she knew her. The neighbour did not.
Sheila begged the driver to drive her home, giving him her address, a few blocks away. He refused because Sheila had no money to pay for the fare.
The next morning Sheila's frozen body was found by another neighbour. She died of hypothermia.
The accused, Melvin Johnson, who drove for Co-op Taxi was charged with criminal negligence causing death. He was aquitted. To read trial report please click Here
Family and loved ones of Sheila feel this was a traavesty of justice, that for $4.05 this man could have saved her life. Because of this, we consider this case UNSOLVED



MURDERED

Elizabeth Bertha Halkett

ELIZABETH BERTHA HALKETT
, aged 19, of Saskatoon, the mother of two young children, a one year old son and an adopted one year old nephew, was murdered in a house fire deliberately set.
Elizabeth Halkett's body was found by firefighters in the charred ruins of a bungalow at 314 Witney Ave. South on March 19, 2004.
An autopsy revealed she was dead before the fire was set. Police are not releasing the cause of death.
Elizabeth was originally from Montreal Lake FN, Sask.
She was expected to testify on April 8, 2004.at the trial of a young offender, charged in connection with her brother’s murder a few months before she was killed ( Oct. 8, 2003). Investigators are looking into her intention to testify as a possible motive in the killing, said Staff Sgt. Kelly Cook of the Saskatoon Police Service. Her brother’s murder was believed to be gang related.
"There may be other motives. That's one we're looking at," he said.
James Terrance Slippery, 21, was formally charged with arson at a Saskatoon hospital Wednesday, where he remains in police custody, Cook said.
"Mr. Slippery came to light on Saturday morning in regards to an unrelated incident. Officers who dealt with him observed the burns to his face," Cook said.
"He went to hospital, upon these burns being noticed, and he's been in there since," Cook said. Slippery, who has connections to "a high profile street gang," is accused of starting the fire, not with killing Halkett, Cook said.
"It's our belief that there may well be others involved and we are following up that avenue of investigation of the arson and with regards to the murder," Cook said.
Elizabeth attended Princess Alexandra and Westmount community schools, as well as the Montreal Lake school for three years when they lived with their aunt, Rose Halkett, on the reserve. Elizabeth was enrolled at City Park Collegiate at the time of her death, though she did not attend regularly, Roseanne said.
Elizabeth liked to play bingo and hang out with friends. She was a fan of Jackie Chan movies, loved fashionable clothes and always kept her long red hair beautifully groomed, Roseanne said.
Elizabeth’s common law husband also died recently due to exposure.

3 persons charged with:
1. Accessory after the fact to murder 240CCC
2. Commission of an offence, accessory after the fact to murder, for the benefit, or at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal organization (Indian posse ) 467.12(1)CCC
Elwood Terry POORMAN age 23 years
James Terrance SLIPPERY age 22 years
Gerald Wayne LITTLECROW age 23 years
Details surrounding their involvement in this case will be presented at trial.

UNSOLVED



MURDERED

Elaine Keewatin Flowers

ELAINE KEEWATIN FLOWERS, of Regina, Saskatchewan was shot in the chest and murdered on May 11, 1981.
Elaine, a sex trade worker was killed by her pimp, Pelletier because she had not given him any money for two days. Pelletier had several prostitutes working for him in the downtown Regina area who were accustomed, and indeed expected by the appellant, to turn over to him the money which they received from their clients.
For some time prior to May 11th, 1981, a rival group, referred to as "the Nortons", had attempted to establish themselves in the same business as the appellant. This was resented by the appellant and a great deal of animosity and rivalry existed between the appellant and his associates on the one hand, and the Nortons on the other hand.
On May 11th, 1981, the Pelletier, Anderson, and one Allan Stonechild, drove in Anderson's car to the downtown core of Regina to locate and confront the Nortons. Before they reached the downtown area they stopped the car and Pelletier and Anderston took from the trunk a loaded 16 guage semiautomatic sawed-off shot gun and a loaded 22 calibre semi-automatic rifle. They placed these in the riding area of the car.
After having searched unsuccessfully for the Nortons for some time, they met Elaine in a downtown hotel parking lot at about 4:30 P.M.
Two witnesses called by the Crown, Carol Keewatin, a sister of the deceased and Helen Tootoosis, both prostitutes, testified that the deceased was forced into the car by the appellant. The appellant, Anderson, and Stonechild on the other hand maintained that the deceased entered the car voluntarily.
In any event, they left the downtown area with Elaine in the car. A short time later, Allan Stonechild got out of the car and went his own way. The appellant and Anderson then took Elaine beyond the city limits of Regina. The appellant said that he asked her where the money was that she was expected to turn over to him in the previous two days. Anderson confirmed this and also testified that the appellant asked the Elaine where the Nortons were. Both the appellant and Anderson said that they then decided to take Elaine five miles out of the city and force her to walk back on her bare feet. Somewhere along the way, Elaine suffered a fatal shot gun wound to her chest. The appellant and Anderson took the body out of the car and hid it beneath some bales of hay. On May 15th, Anderson and Stonechild retrieved the body from the hay and buried it in a shallow grave.
During the trial the two accused attempted to say the shooting was an accident, that Elaine ,herself, had held on to the gun in the car and it accidently went off.
They were both convicted of first degree murder and appeals denied.



MURDERED

Laura Anne Ahenakew

LAURA ANNE AHENAKEW, aged 22 of Saskatoon was stabbed to death on Sept. 29, 1985.
During a police interview, Cindy Caron stated that Laura Annegot religion and she stated ”I did stick that broad”and likened it to a jungle killing.
On March 15, 1989, Cindy Caron was charged with first degree murder in the death of Laura Anne Ahenakew.She appealed, requesting a charge of second degree murder.
Outcome not known.



MURDERED

Wannita Leanne Wolfe

WANNITA LEANNE WOLFE,aged 18, of Regina, Saskatchewan, was shot on May 22, 1999.
The person who shot her was Donald Earl Blind, who, following an assault on himself, fired a .303 calibre rifle at the rear window of a car containing five people, including Wannita. A bullet struck her, causing what would ultimately be a fatal injury to her, and injuring two other passengers in the car. Blind originally fled the scene then turned himself into police.
Wannita passed away on May 28, 1999. Blind was charged with second degree murder in the death of Wannita. He was also charged with attempted murder and four counts of attempted murder.
He was released on bail pending trial.
Trial not yet completed.

UNSOLVED






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