A 23-year-old Saskatoon man convicted of manslaughter for the 2024 shooting death of 48-year-old Arden Panipekeesick will have to wait until July for his sentencing hearing. The hearing, originally scheduled for Thursday at Saskatoon Court of King's Bench, was adjourned to July 3 to allow the defence time to secure a Gladue report writer.
Defence Requests Adjournment
Defence lawyer Patrick McDougall requested the adjournment, telling the court that the number of qualified Gladue report writers in the province is limited. Gladue reports examine the impact of racism and colonization on Indigenous offenders, helping judges craft appropriate sentences. Report writers compile a background of the offender's life through interviews with the offender and family members.
Conviction Details
Katlim Kristian John Desjarlais-Kelly was convicted by a King's Bench jury in February of manslaughter in Panipekeesick's death at a home in the 100 block of Avenue K North in February 2024. Jurors found him not guilty of the more serious charge of second-degree murder.
Panipekeesick's longtime partner testified that Desjarlais-Kelly shot her husband in the neck after an initial exchange of gunfire in the living room. She said the offender left the home before returning and firing the fatal shot. Desjarlais-Kelly testified in his own defence, claiming he fired in self-defence after the victim shot him in the arm unprovoked.
Next Steps
The court will reconvene on July 3 for sentencing arguments. The judge will consider the Gladue report, along with other factors, in determining an appropriate sentence for Desjarlais-Kelly.
