Crown says accused teen could face adult sentence if convicted

REGINA Cheers filled a packed Regina courtroom on Friday when it was revealed the Crown may seek an adult sentence for the boy charged in the death of a 16-yearold girl, if he is found guilty.

Crown prosecutor Chris White then clarified that it is not a guarantee the Crown will seek an adult sentence for the 15-year-old, who has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of the Regina girl, but that he wanted to make sure it was an option in the future.

“I don’t want to be heard to be saying that’s what the Crown is going to do. I want to be heard (saying) that’s what the Crown is considering doing,” White told the court.

The boy, who can’t be named under provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), appeared in person at youth court for his bail hearing. He showed no visible emotion during the proceedings, and periodically glanced at members of the public who filled the courtroom. Social-media posts had encouraged friends, family and supporters of the deceased girl to pack the court.

Several teen girls were in attendance, some wearing T-shirts that bore the homicide victim’s name and picture. Under the YCJA the deceased victim of an alleged crime committed by a youth cannot be identified unless a parent or guardian gives permission.

In this case, no such permission has been given to date.

According to the Regina Police Service (RPS), the girl died shortly after midnight on Oct. 14 on the 900 block of Cameron Street. Police and EMS arrived to find an injured girl. Efforts to provide emergency medical treatment at the scene were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead.

Witnesses later told the LeaderPost the girl had been stabbed.

Before court began, a deputy sheriff addressed the crowd and cautioned that they should leave thecourtroomiftheybecameupset.

“Emotions are going to run high,” said the sheriff.

While presenting its evidence, the Crown called the RPS’s lead investigator on the case to testify. That testimony cannot be reported on at this time because of the standard publication bans often imposed at bail hearings.

After court was adjourned at noon, people outside the courtroom began yelling at one another. Deputy sheriffs intervened and split up two groups.

Afterwards, a woman told several girls in the hallway that she understood they were angry, but that they had to control themselves while in court.

Judge Bruce Henning didn’t decide on the case Friday, asking for additional information from White and defence lawyer Andrew Hitchcock. Henning said he intends to give his decision on Wednesday.

I don’t want to be heard to be saying that’s what the Crown is going to do. I want to be heard (saying) that’s what the Crown is considering doing.