A photo provided of Byron Bear at the time of his disappearance. (Submitted photo/Prince Albert Police Service)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Second person charged in Byron Bear murder

Feb 11, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Shirley Bear said her son had a lot of friends, and that’s why she is not surprised to hear police have made multiple arrests in connection to the ongoing murder investigation.

Kyle Angus Burns, 37, was arrested on Thursday and faces a charge of second degree murder in the death of Byron Bear. After asking when he will get out, and even asking to speak to the judge privately, Burns’s case was adjourned to Feb. 28.

The co-accused, Raine Farrow, was not present when his matters were spoken to in a separate courtroom. Prior to asking for a three week adjournment to March 3, Farrow’s lawyer indicated he would be making a bail application, which due to the nature of the charge, can only be done through Court of Queen’s Bench.

More than a dozen members of the victim’s family were present in court Friday to view the proceedings for Farrow. Outside the courthouse Shirley Bear expressed feelings of relief to paNOW about hearing news of the arrest and explained the family’s faith in the creator never wavered.

“My mom taught us very well and Byron was a warrior. He was a strong believer, he had a strong faith, and he was a very good boy.

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For several days, a thick line of yellow police tape surrounded the midtown property. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Byron Lee Bear, 27, was last seen on Dec. 6. The same day, Prince Albert police responded to the 300 block of Ninth St. East, where they found evidence of a serious assault but no victims were found. They explained they had responded around 4 a.m., after a report of gunshots. Two days later, they indicated Byron may have been at the residence prior to police arrival. Shirley explained she questioned the friends that Byron had.

“Half the friends I didn’t know who they were. I didn’t want to know them because just looking at them, they didn’t look like they were honest, trustworthy people to be hanging around with,” she said.

Police have confirmed the investigation remains ongoing. One of the outstanding questions in the case remains whether Bear’s body has been recovered. Neither police nor Bear’s mom would comment at this time.

“It’s too hard and it’s very emotional,” Shirley said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell