An 18-year-old man charged in connection with the stabbings of two men in Saskatoon earlier this year, resulting in the death of a 25-year-old man, will not go to trial. Saskatoon provincial court confirmed that charges against Avyn Ahenakew were stayed during an appearance on May 8.
Background of the Case
Police reported that in the early morning of Feb. 3, two 25-year-old men arrived at St. Paul's Hospital suffering from stab wounds. One of them, identified in court documents as Kiefer Kitchemonia-Stongquill, died. Ahenakew was first arrested and charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault on Feb. 9, but later saw the charges downgraded to accessory after the fact. Around the same time, obstruction and mischief charges were added.
Legal Proceedings
Ahenakew's lawyer, Meagan Ward, said the decision to stay charges was made after talks with prosecutors. She explained that the charges for being an accessory after the fact to the stabbings were laid because of information Ahenakew gave police during interviews. Ward noted that the information was far from conclusive in suggesting he had any role in the incident. Ward also said the obstruction and mischief charges resulted from her client giving police a false confession after extensive questioning. She questioned whether the confession was due to pressure from police or a direct intention to mislead.
With all charges now stayed, Ahenakew has been released from custody. A stayed charge is completely withdrawn if no new information comes forward to reopen the case within a year. Albert George Sanderson Scott remains charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault, with his next appearance set for May 21.
