Deborah McKenzie and Sharise Sutherland-Kayseas attended trial via confrence call at the Court of Kings Bench in Prince Albert for their involvement in the death of Sheena Billette on December 23, 2019, and received downgraded charges from first-degree murder to manslaughter and kidnapping.
The judge went through the evidence and explained that she wasn’t satisfied that all of the limits on first-degree murder were met, and the co-accused were given lower charges of manslaughter and kidnapping. This announcement came as a surprise to the Billette family and friends in the courtroom.
Outside of the courthouse, Sheena’s father, Willie Billette, gave a statement to the media about today’s day in court.
“It’s been five years, and it’s still not over, and I’m sure that my wife feels the same way. My grandkids need justice, and today they didn’t get it. So in that sense, I feel sad,” explained Willie Billette, Sheena’s father. “I’m not sure how long they will spend in prison; it will be up to the judge. I mean, from first-degree murder to manslaughter, there was no consideration at all for a second-degree murder charge.”
Federation of Sovereign Indian Nations Vice Chief Aly Bear attended court today to support the Billette family and addressed the media outside the courthouse.
“It was a heavy day to be here and to be with the family. We want them to know that we stand with them and support them in their fight for justice. And at the same time, you continue to see the justice system fail our families, and that was the feeling today,” said Vice Chief Aly Bear. “Considering the fact that it should have been first-degree murder, we’re considering all of the factors and how serious this murder was, and we need to set the precedent that people can’t do this. We need safer communities. Our women need to feel safe in their communities. Sheena was a mother, and at the end of the day, it’s a lot of our women that continue to go missing and get murdered.”
Four people have been charged with the death of Billette.
To date, there have been 2 people sentenced, and 2 people are still waiting for sentencing, which are McKenzie and Sutherland-Kayseas.
Charlie Charles has been charged with manslaughter and sentenced to 8 years, with time credited.
Tesla Jane McKenzie pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to just over four and a half years, with time credited.
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