A photo of the camp where Ponch Bird lived. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Guilty pleas entered in Prince Albert homeless camp death case

Jul 24, 2024 | 4:11 PM

A man who was 18 at the time he shot and killed the protector of a Prince Albert homeless camp has taken responsibility for his crime.

Garrisen Clarke appeared in person Wednesday morning at provincial court and guilty pleas were entered by his lawyer to manslaughter and discharging a gun with intent to wound.

A pre-sentence report has been ordered and the case was adjourned to Aug. 14 to confirm a date for a sentencing hearing.

The case dates back to July 2023 when an altercation occurred at an east side homeless camp.

An eye witness told paNOW that a person who allegedly scammed some people arrived to seek refuge, and “Ponch” Bird who was known as the “hood father” provided protection when the person ran behind him. Moments later, Bird was shot and killed.

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Ponch Bird. (Submitted photo)

The witness who had known Bird for 20 years, said his friend never had a beef with anyone and was the type of person who would give people the shirt off his back.

A family member who confirmed Bird had connections to the Montreal Lake area, said he became homeless a few months prior, but always took care of his cousins out on the streets.

Loni McCuaig was also charged in the case and later convicted on a charge of assault with a weapon (bear spray). Her charge was related to a second victim and she received a 12-month suspended sentence. This meant as long as she obeyed a number of conditions, she could serve her conditions in the community.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell