Unexpected Delays Hit Two Saskatoon Murder Trials
Two separate murder trials currently underway at the Saskatoon Court of King's Bench have been unexpectedly postponed due to unrelated but significant circumstances. The delays highlight how external events can disrupt the judicial process in serious criminal cases.
Second-Degree Murder Trial Paused After Lawyer's Home Fire
The second-degree murder trial of Katlim Kristian John Desjarlais-Kelly has been temporarily suspended after his defense lawyer experienced a devastating personal tragedy. Justice Krista Zerr informed jurors that the trial would not proceed because defense attorney Patrick McDougall lost his home in what she described as a "catastrophic" fire.
"I am not going to ask him to work today," Justice Zerr stated, directing jurors to return on Monday morning. The 23-year-old Desjarlais-Kelly stands accused of fatally shooting 48-year-old Arden Panipekeesick in a Westmount neighborhood home on February 10, 2024. His jury trial had commenced on January 26.
The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to two separate house fires during this period. At approximately 7:52 p.m. on Tuesday, crews addressed a fire in the RM of Corman Park where firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames coming from a home's roof, causing structural collapse. Later, at 1:02 a.m. Wednesday, firefighters were called to another house fire in the 200 block of Carleton Drive, where crews confirmed no one was inside. No injuries were reported in either incident, and both fires remain under police investigation.
First-Degree Murder Trial Delayed Indefinitely Due to Hospitalization
In a separate case, the first-degree murder trial of 58-year-old Michael Smillie has been adjourned indefinitely after the defendant was hospitalized with a serious respiratory issue. Defense lawyer Blaine Beaven confirmed that Smillie remains in hospital, forcing the suspension of proceedings that were scheduled to resume Thursday morning.
Smillie faces charges in the killing of 24-year-old Taya Rae Anne Sinclair, a mother who was reported missing in Saskatoon on March 14, 2022. Her burned remains were discovered the following day in Prince Albert. Smillie represents the last of three individuals charged in Sinclair's death to appear before the court.
The Crown prosecution has nearly completed presenting its evidence in this judge-alone trial, with the final witness expected to be the forensic pathologist who performed Sinclair's autopsy. A conference call has been scheduled with the judge and Crown prosecutor to establish new dates for continuing the trial, likely in March.
Pattern of Unforeseen Court Disruptions
These developments mark the second time this month that a Saskatoon murder trial has been adjourned during active proceedings. The coincidental timing of these unrelated delays underscores how personal tragedies and health emergencies can unexpectedly impact the judicial timeline, even in serious criminal cases where public interest in timely resolution remains high.
The Saskatoon Court of King's Bench now faces the logistical challenge of rescheduling both trials while ensuring all parties receive fair representation and due process. These cases continue to draw significant attention as they navigate these unexpected interruptions in the pursuit of justice.
