Accused Testifies He Was 'Scared' During Fatal Shooting at Saskatoon Murder Trial
Katlim Kristian John Desjarlais-Kelly took the stand as the final defense witness in his second-degree murder trial at Saskatoon Court of King's Bench, delivering emotional testimony about the events leading to Arden Panipekeesick's death. The 23-year-old accused stated he felt genuine fear during the confrontation that resulted in fatal gunfire.
Testimony Reveals Conflicting Accounts of Deadly Night
Desjarlais-Kelly testified that on the night of February 10, 2024, he was inside a home on Avenue K North when Panipekeesick arrived. According to his account, the 48-year-old victim immediately produced two firearms and began pointing them directly at him. "As soon as he seen me, he shot me," Desjarlais-Kelly told the jury, describing how he sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm during the initial exchange.
The accused admitted to possessing a firearm during the incident but maintained he only drew his weapon after being shot by Panipekeesick. "I drew it after I got shot by Arden," he stated during cross-examination by Crown prosecutor Lee Hnatiuk. This claim contradicts testimony from Panipekeesick's longtime partner, who told jurors that both men pulled out guns simultaneously during an argument.
Witness Describes Chaotic Scene and Fatal Shot
Panipekeesick's partner provided detailed testimony about the violent encounter, describing how she and Panipekeesick came upstairs from the basement to find Desjarlais-Kelly and others in the living room. She stated that Panipekeesick asked the accused to leave the premises, which escalated into a heated argument between the two men.
According to her account, after the initial exchange of gunfire, Desjarlais-Kelly briefly left the home before returning and requesting assistance to tie off his wounded arm. She noted she observed no visible blood on his arm despite his claim of injury. The witness testified that Desjarlais-Kelly departed once more, only to come back and fire the fatal shot that struck Panipekeesick in the neck, resulting in his immediate death at the scene.
Defendant Disputes Key Details of Prosecution's Case
During his testimony, Desjarlais-Kelly challenged several aspects of the witness's account. He denied that Panipekeesick ever asked him to leave the residence and stated he had no recollection of anyone attempting to tie off his arm after the shooting. The accused also refuted claims that he overturned furniture during the confrontation with the victim.
When questioned by Hnatiuk about why he "blindly" fired his weapon into the house—potentially endangering other occupants who had not threatened him—Desjarlais-Kelly repeatedly emphasized his emotional state. "I was scared of him," he told the jury, explaining that fear governed his actions during the chaotic incident.
Trial Proceedings and Investigation Details
The jury trial commenced on January 26 and is scheduled to resume proceedings on Thursday. Constable Erin Anthony, the first police officer to arrive at the scene, testified that she discovered no weapons or shell casings during her initial assessment of the crime scene.
Desjarlais-Kelly acknowledged leaving and returning to the residence multiple times during the altercation. He stated that he discharged his firearm as he collapsed to the ground, though he provided limited details about the circumstances surrounding the fatal shot that killed Panipekeesick.
The trial continues to examine conflicting narratives about the events of February 10, 2024, as the defense emphasizes the accused's claimed state of fear while the prosecution presents evidence suggesting deliberate actions leading to the victim's death.
