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

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Preliminary inquiry begins for Trevor LaPlante murder case

Mar 12, 2025 | 10:20 AM

Another chapter begins today for a high profile murder case in Prince Albert.

Michael Robert Bird, the man accused of killing 52-year-old Trevor LaPlante, will appear at provincial court for a preliminary inquiry hearing.

Three days have been set aside for the hearing which will determine whether the Crown’s evidence is strong enough to commit the case for trial, but also whether the charge of second degree still best fits the crime committed.

Preliminary inquiry hearings normally come with a publication ban on the evidence heard, but paNOW will provide updates as soon as possible with respect to the judge’s decision on committal.

Maureen Palagian holds a photo of her brother, Trevor LaPlante outside of the Prince Albert Provincial Court in August, while awaiting a hearing for the man accused of killing him. A preliminary hearing has now been set. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

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LaPlante, a popular figure at local sports events and longtime employee at McDonald’s, was killed in July of last year. His death sparked outrage in the community.

In addition to the murder charge, Bird is also facing a charge of sexual assault, from an unrelated incident that happened on July 1, 2024, roughly three weeks before LaPlante was found deceased.

That charge has previously been committed for trial at Court of King’s Bench.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social