A Saskatoon woman has pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to murder, bringing an abrupt end to her jury trial. Chantel Lee McLaren, 35, entered the plea on Thursday, four days into proceedings at Saskatoon Court of King's Bench. The trial was originally scheduled to last 14 days.
Details of the Case
McLaren's plea relates to the death of 25-year-old Lee Perkins, whose body was discovered in a home in the Pacific Heights neighborhood on February 3, 2024. Perkins' death was the first homicide recorded in Saskatoon that year. Police had executed a search warrant at a residence on Lisgar Avenue in connection with an aggravated assault involving a firearm.
McLaren was initially charged with first-degree murder and offering an indignity to human remains. The indignity charge has not yet been resolved. Her co-accused, Edin Dion Vrazalica, remains charged with first-degree murder and indignity to human remains. Police reported that Vrazalica attempted to flee and was shot by officers during the search of the Lisgar Avenue home. His jury trial is scheduled for November.
Legal Proceedings
The Crown was represented by prosecutors Cory Bliss and Muhammad Zubair, while defense lawyer Zachary Carter represented McLaren. The trial was under a publication ban to protect Vrazalica's right to a fair trial. With McLaren's guilty plea, the ban has been lifted for her case.
McLaren is scheduled to return to court on September 2 for sentencing arguments. She remains out of custody, having been granted bail in May 2024.
Background
The case has drawn significant attention in Saskatoon, highlighting the complexities of joint charges and the legal process. Perkins' family has been present throughout the proceedings, seeking justice for the young man's death. The community has been following the case closely, with many expressing relief at the resolution of McLaren's involvement.
Further updates will be provided as the sentencing date approaches and as Vrazalica's trial progresses.
