Saskatoon judge sentences woman for death of teens

The reports noted Peeteetuce left school in Grade 9 while pregnant with her daughter. After the child’s birth, she descended further into substance abuse and prostitution. She joined the Indian Posse street gang for protection after being swarmed and stabbed by members of the rival Native Syndicate. Peeteetuce had another child, a son, who died while still an infant. The child was in the care of his father when he died of a drug overdose.

The Crown had asked for a sentence of 12 years for Peeteetuce’s crimes. The families of the two dead teens reacted with shock as Zarzeczny delivered his decision.

Haughey’s father couldn’t restrain an outburst, calling out: ‘That’s ridiculous, your honour’ as Zarzeczny was still reading.

Haughey’s mother was devastated. Sobbing uncontrollably, she screamed “karma will strike you down!” as Peeteetuce was led from the courtroom in leg irons and handcuffs. As the rest of the gallery filed out, she was heard screaming “you killed us again” repeatedly.

With 20 months credit for the time on remand, Peeteetuce has four years and four months left on her sentence. Zarzeczny issued a recommendation that part of that time be served at a healing lodge in Maple Creek.

Speaking outside the courtroom, Wensley’s father David said he was appalled with the decision, he also voiced outrage at the decision not to try a 17-year-old passenger in the stolen truck as an adult.

“Four years, four months to serve, she’s going to be out on parole in two-thirds of that. And some of that time spent at a health and wellness centre down in Maple Creek? That’s our justice system? These girls, they’re Indian Posse gang members,” he said.

Wensley also had harsh words for the Saskatoon Tribal Council, which sent representatives to the 17-year-old’s court proceedings.

“With the Saskatoon Trival Council, that would be like one of our (city) council members going to a Hells Angel’s trial and representing, supporting the Hells Angel. What’s really the difference?” he asked.

Valerie Harvey, Peeteetuce’s lawyer, explained that her client had pushed to plead guilty since her first appearance in court. Harvey said she actually had to slow the process down to make sure that the case against her client was supported by the evidence before proceeding with the plea. Harvey read a statement from her client to reporters. In the brief letter, Peeteetuce apologized to the victim’s families, as well as to her own family and community.

In addition to the prison term, Zarzeczny also imposed a 20-year driving ban on Peeteetuce.

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BrynLevy

by Bryn Levy

Saskatoon judge sentences woman for death of teens

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