By Nigel Maxwell

Burns family united as they await accused’s plea

Mar 27, 2015 | 10:34 AM

Todd McKeaveney appeared via video link on Friday morning at the Prince Albert Provincial Court, standing motionless before the camera, not saying a word, with his arms crossed behind his back.

The hearing lasted no more than 10 minutes, and was quickly adjourned to April 30.

McKeaveney, 38, is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection to the death of Monica Burns, 28. Her body was found lying on a snowmobile trail on Jan. 17.

Members of the Burns family attended the court hearing on Friday, expecting to hear a plea.

Monica’s twin sister Michelle emerged from the court house with tears streaming down her face.  She told paNOW that she finds it difficult seeing McKeaveney’s face.

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“It’s going to be a while before we get any kind of answers — this is probably just the beginning. We’re probably going to have to really build ourselves up for what’s coming,” she said.

Michelle said she draws her strength from having her family around her.

“I don’t think I’d be able to do this alone,” she said. 

Nearly a dozen members of the Burns family were in court for the hearing. One woman was wearing a black sweater that read “Justice for Monica.”  Other members of the family wore purple ribbons, symbolizing their support for Monica.

“We knew it was going to be short today, but we still came because we’re going to keep coming to every court date, doesn’t matter,” said Burns.

Stepmother Kavia Burns said they want the public to know that Monica was loved.

There was no reason given in court for the delay.

The Crown Prosecutor’s office informed paNOW there had been some recent disclosure and the lawyers need time to review the file.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell