Keegan Nelson-Smith's trial is running at Court of King's Bench in Prince Albert. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

“He said ‘I think I’m gonna die bro’”: victim’s final moments described during murder trial

Mar 8, 2023 | 2:18 PM

A man, who was found outside a home in Northern Saskatchewan, was stabbed three times and died from excessive blood loss.

Those were the findings of Dr. Shaun Ladham, the province’s Chief Forensic Pathologist, who testified Wednesday morning at the Keegan Nelson-Smith murder trial at Prince Albert Court of King’s Bench.

The Hall Lake man is facing a charge of second degree murder in the June, 2020 death of Muhammad Venne. The 29-year-old was initially found outside a home at Bell’s Point, suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was transported to hospital by ambulance, but was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival.

Dr. Ladham, who performed the autopsy two days later, testified Venne was stabbed in the chest and abdomen areas, and one of the cuts had pierced Venne’s heart. As a result of the three stab wounds, Venne suffered over 50 per cent blood loss.

“In my opinion, that’s a lethal injury,” Ladham said.

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As per discussions heard in court earlier this week, Smith and Venne had been involved in a physical altercation. The exact reasons why are still not clear. During his testimony, Dr. Ladham noted Venne had some abrasions on his neck, but added his belief that none of those injuries played a role in the death.

When given the opportunity to cross examine, defence lawyer Michael Nolan inquired whether the injuries and directions of the cuts were consistent with Venne having Smith in a head lock. Dr. Ladham was unable to provide an answer.

A couple months after Venne’s murder, a walk was held to bring awareness to the case. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The Crown’s second witness on Wednesday was Corey Clarke, who is currently serving an eight year prison sentence for the death of Natasha Ross in May, 2021.

Clarke testified he was with Venne the morning of the incident. The two had been walking along a road, and were confronted by a group of people who were making barking noises, and being “macho,” according to Clarke.

Clarke then explained Venne had gone up ahead and challenged the group to a fight. Clarke said the altercation happened very fast, and believed Venne had only been punched—not stabbed.

But when Clarke caught up with Venne, Venne removed his shirt, was lying on the ground, and there was blood coming from various puncture wounds.

“He said ‘I think I’m gonna die, bro’ and I said ‘I’ll do what I can,'” Clarke said.

Clarke explained he then called 9-1-1, and held Venne’s body until paramedics arrived.

While his memory was a bit foggy, Clarke also recalled he and Venne had been at a house drinking together, but opted to leave due to a group of people present that made him feel nervous.

When asked further about the group involved in the fight, Clarke said they had all run off before paramedics arrived.

Cross-examination

Noting Clarke’s past and history of alcohol abuse, defence lawyer Mike Nolan asked whether he remembered being kicked out of someone’s house or even starting an altercation earlier with someone, he accused of having relations with his baby’s mother.

“I don’t think so,” Clarke replied, while laughing out loud.

Inquiring whether Clarke may have been upset with Venne for standing up for someone else, Nolan then asked Clarke directly if he stabbed Venne.

“I never had anything to do with Muhammad’s death,” Clarke said.

Nelson-Smith was arrested in Jan. 2021 and is currently out on bail.

Two weeks have been set aside for the trial, although there has been some suggestion it won’t last that long.

Venne, who had a son had the time of his death, is remembered by his family for being a wonderful dad. They also recalled his good sense of humour, athleticism and passion for physical fitness.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell