A 17-year-old youth has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Drew Jack, a shooting that occurred on the Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in Saskatchewan. The plea was entered Tuesday in Regina's Court of King's Bench, where the teen, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, admitted to causing Jack's death.
Details of the Incident
Paramedics initially responded to a home on the First Nation on March 21, 2025, following reports of a suspected drug overdose or cardiac arrest. However, upon arrival, they discovered a small bullet wound on Jack's chest. Subsequent investigation revealed a .22-calibre casing at the scene, and an autopsy confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the torso.
According to an agreed statement of facts read in court, the teen had been at a gathering before the incident but left with a female. A group searching for the pair located them at a road junction, leading to a physical altercation. Jack intervened, pulling the teen from a vehicle, and a fight ensued. One witness reported hearing a pop and seeing Jack on the ground.
Court Proceedings
The courtroom was tense before proceedings began, with two adults in the gallery exchanging heated words that prompted a warning from sheriffs. The teen sat quietly behind glass, speaking only when prompted. Crown prosecutor Cheyenne Esmond outlined the facts, noting that the teen admitted to shooting Jack in the left side of his torso, causing his death.
Weeping was heard from the gallery as the details were read. Defence lawyer Taylor Schlamp confirmed the teen admitted the facts, and Justice Catherine Dawson accepted the plea after ensuring the teen understood the consequences.
Next Steps
Sentencing is not yet scheduled, with lawyers to make submissions in June. The Crown requested specialized reports, including a pre-sentence report (PSR) that will specifically consider Gladue factors, which address the unique circumstances of Indigenous offenders. The court also noted that while Carry the Kettle was the site of a quadruple homicide in February 2025, no connection between the incidents has been established.
