Monica Burns’ family misses alleged murderer in court

The family of a woman whose body was dumped on a snowmobile trail outside Prince Albert was upset they didn’t get to see her accused murderer in court.

On Friday, Todd Daniel McKeaveney, 38, made his first court appearance after his arrest for second-degree murder in connection to the death of Monica Lee Burns. Her body was discovered on Jan. 17, 2015 and an autopsy was performed several days later.

Over 20 people related to Burns – who was 28 when she went missing and was killed – were in a meeting in Prince Albert Provincial Court when he was sitting in the prisoner’s box in a separate room.

A previous release from RCMP stated McKeaveney would be in court at 10 a.m., however, he stood before a judge a half an hour earlier, at 9:30 a.m.

Very little happened in court aside from McKeaveney being remanded until late next month, but Burns’ family was visibly upset that they missed his appearance when they spoke to the Crown prosecutor outside the courtroom.

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Tears were shed by several people, and hugs exchanged. Burns’ brother Purnell Ballantyne and her sister were among the family members present.

The family declined to comment to media, but did express disappointment they didn’t get to see Burns’ alleged murderer.

While the RCMP previously released information that Burns was known as a sex trade worker, those who knew her remind the public she was also a mother, community member, sister, and friend.

The RCMP reported on Thursday that McKeaveney and Burns didn’t know each other, and that McKeaveney isn’t known to police.

Ballantyne also said he has never heard of the man in question.

claskowski@rawlco.com

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk