Jeremy Starblanket, from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, was 29 at the time of his death in March, 2021. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Accused in Starblanket murder to receive preliminary hearing

Apr 20, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Two days have been set aside in September to hear the circumstances surrounding a Prince Albert murder case.

The dates for Darren Masuskapoe’s preliminary inquiry hearing were confirmed Thursday morning at provincial court.

The 44-year-old is facing a charge of first degree murder in the death of Jeremy Starblanket.

The purpose of the two day hearing, scheduled for Sept. 27 and Sept. 29, is to hear the Crown’s evidence and determine if there’s enough to commit Masuskapoe for trial at Court of King’s Bench.

As per discussions heard in court Thursday, three witnesses are expected to be called.

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The homicide case dates back to March 20, 2021, when residents in the area of the 500 block of Fifth St. E., reported hearing an explosion and several popping sounds, then saw a bunch of black smoke coming from a house.

The single family bungalow was found fully engulfed when fire crews arrived. During the investigation, Starblanket’s body was found in the remains of the home.

Three other people have been charged in the case.

Keyano Ahenanakew, 25, and Henry Ratt, 26, are both facing one count of first-degree murder, and have pending court dates at provincial court.

Loretta Sakebow was arrested several months after the house fire and is charged with second degree murder. She’s currently awaiting trial at Court of King’s Bench.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell