Trevor Laplante was well known in Prince Albert and well liked. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

‘He was just a good person’: community responds to murder victim’s death

Jul 24, 2024 | 12:35 PM

Ken Malenfant says the news of his friend’s passing is devastating.

The former owner of the Prince Albert McDonald’s was among over a dozen people attending court Wednesday, when the man allegedly responsible for the death of Trevor Laplante made his first court appearance.

Michael Robert Bird, 33, stands accused of second degree murder and indignity to a body. His case was remanded to Aug. 7.

Laplante, whose body was found on Monday in a shopping cart, was a long time McDonald’s employee and according to comments shared online, had a tremendous work ethic and an unforgettable smile. Malenfant knew him for over 12 years.

“He was more than just a co-worker and employee, he was a friend,” Malenfant explained.

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Laplante was a fixture at the local McDonald’s. (Facebook)

When asked to share his own personal thoughts of Laplante, Malenfant described Trevor as a happy go lucky, fun person, who would give you the shirt off his back.

“Just well known in he community just for being a kind person and working hard. It’s hard to understand,” he said, and fought back tears when he noted his presence at court was to represent the entire McDonald’s family.

Laplante loved professional wrestling and was a dedicated Raiders’ fan. A woman who shared her thoughts on social media said she cannot imagine going to a game and not seeing Trevor there. On behalf of the organization, business manager Michael Scissons provided a statement and said they are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the lifelong fan.

“Trevor was an incredibly loyal and passionate Raiders fan and his loss is felt throughout the entire Raider family. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Raiders organization continue to go out to his family and friends,” he said.

Another local organization offering support is Metis Nation Western Region 2, who in less than 24 hours, have raised over $6,000 for the family.

(Facebook)

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne considered Laplante a friend and reflected fondly on the time they spent together during last week’s world softball championships.

“He was just a good person and I’m just shocked what happened to him,” he said.

In addition to the numerous messages of support for the family, there’s also been a lot of anger expressed on social media over an incident that appears to be random in nature. Dionne acknowledged he too wants to know what happened and why it happened.

“I am gonna be real interested to know who (Bird) is and if he has a record,” Dionne said, adding he has working behind the scenes with multiple levels of government, on issues related to community safety and the catch-and-release of repeat offenders.

“I believe in the law but we also need justice,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell