Court of King's Bench in Prince Albert will be the setting for Roy Lasas's jury trial later this year. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Pre-trial hearings commence for Mistawasis murder case

Jan 7, 2024 | 8:00 AM

A series of hearings this week at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert will lay the groundwork for a murder trial scheduled to start in the fall.

Roy Lasas, a member of Mistawasis First Nation, is facing a charge of second degree murder in the death of Troy Watson in late 2020.

The voir-dire hearings that are scheduled to start Monday will include the Crown’s evidence and the presiding justice will be asked to consider what should allowed at October’s jury trial.

As the case is to be tried by a jury starting Oct. 15, there’s a publication ban in effect for the hearings.

Troy Watson was 36 years old at the time of his death. (Beau Lac Funeral Home)

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In November, 2020, Troy Watson was found unconscious outside a home on the reserve, and was pronounced deceased by paramedics.

A second person, under the age of 18, was also arrested, but their charge was later stayed by the Crown.

A total of two weeks have been set aside for the trial.

Mistawasis First nation is located about 70 kms. southwest of Prince Albert.

Troy Youngblood Watson, also known as Rokkit, had five children and a family member told paNOW he was a great father and was known throughout the community for his helpful nature and big smile.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell