A high profile murder trial in Saskatoon took a surprising turn last week.
Summer Sky-Henry and Cheyann Peeteetuce were on trial accused of the first-degree murder of Megan Gallagher.
Gallagher was killed in the city in 2020, with a total of 9 people charged in relation to her death.
The trial for Sky-Henry and Peeteetuce, which was under publication ban, was scheduled to run for 6 weeks at the Court of Kings Bench.
However, just two weeks in, the trial came to an abrupt end as both individuals entered surprise guilty pleas to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The decision drew the ire of the Gallagher family with Megan’s father Brian Gallagher calling it a “hit in the gut.”
A conviction for first-degree murder is an automatic life sentence in jail, while convictions for manslaughter can range from 4 to 15 years behind bars.
The matter was set to continue on Wednesday morning with a sentencing hearing where the court would hear submissions from lawyers and victim impact statements.
However, a water main break has caused the courthouse to close.
This week, a fire under University Bridge in Saskatoon led to several issues in the city’s sewage line. Those issues were still being felt at the courthouse Wednesday morning.
The matter has also been delayed as several media outlets have launched a challenge over a publication ban on the hearing.
Court was in session briefly to discuss the challenge to the publication ban and the issues at the courthouse before the court closed for the day. No word was given on when the courthouse will be re-opened.
During the brief proceedings two dates were scheduled.
On January 29, the court will hear submissions on the publication ban and then, on February 6, the sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin.