Jeremy Starblanket, from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, was 29 at the time of his death in March, 2021. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Woman charged in Starblanket murder case receives five year sentence

Oct 4, 2023 | 5:00 PM

A woman charged after a man’s remains were found amongst the ashes of a Prince Albert home, has received a five year prison sentence.

Loretta Sakebow, 35, had initially been charged with second degree murder, and was scheduled to face trial this week, but instead entered a guilty plea to arson with disregard for human life.

The sentencing hearing was held on Tuesday at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert.

The case itself dates back to March 20, 2021. Residents in the area of the 500 block of Fifth Street East, reported hearing an explosion and several popping sounds then saw a bunch of black smoke.

The Prince Albert Fire Department later confirmed the single family bungalow was found fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived at 1:38 p.m.

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Witnesses reported seeing three people running from the house, one of which was later identified as being Sakebow.

The explosion blew the building right off the foundation. (Submitted photo/ Charles Robichaud)

Following the discovery of Starblanket’s body in the remains of the home, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for the arrest of Sakebow. She was located by Prince Albert police on July 28, 2021.

According to the agreed statement of facts, the house was Sakebow’s rental property and she had held a party in which a number of gang members attended. The victim was beaten and shot, while Sakebow had gone out for a drug run.

Upon returning to the house, Sakebow, along with two other women, were first ordered to stay in a bedrooom, before being instructed hours later to go buy gas and lighter fluid. After acquiring a ride through PA Ride Share, they would go to a gas station on Second Ave. W. and put the jerry can of gas in the vehicle’s trunk.

The autopsy later determined Starblanket died of thermal burns with inhalation of smoke and soot. Head, right upper extremity injuries, and right neck of femur fracture were contributing causes of death.

Sakebow was ultimately one of four people charged in the Starblanket murder case. Keyano Ahenakew has a preliminary inquiry hearing at provincial court on Nov. 20, and Henry Ratt’s matters are to be addressed during a case management hearing on Oct. 11. Both men are charged with first degree murder.

Darren Masuskapoe, who was also charged with first degree murder, had his matter stayed on Sept. 26.

Friends and family of Starblanket, have previously described him as an accomplished athlete in high school at Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, and also said he was a good worker, skilled with mechanics and carpentry.

Following his son’s death, Starblanket’s father recalled for paNOW the last conversation he had with his son when he picked him up from jail.

“He had talked about wanting to straighten his life out, to try and make amends with some people he had stirred up trouble with,” the father said.

Starblanket always made time for family and shared many pictures of his closest loved ones on his social media account. (Facebook)

Breach of bail conditions

Sakebow, who also goes by the name “Lynda”, also appeared on Wednesday at provincial court to resolve a breach of release charge.

Following her release on bail in July, 2022, Sakebow failed to report and cut off her electronic monitoring bracelet. She would be re-arrested three months later. Her lawyer Evan Strelioff attributed a meth addiction to her behaviour.

The joint submission from the lawyers was a jail sentence of 60 days which would run concurrently with the prison sentence and so really have no impact.

Expressing frustration the breach charge was not dealt with at Court of King’s Bench, and acknowledging Sakebow’s addictions issues played a role, Judge Harradence said the proposed sentence was in fact contrary to the public interest and discharged her on the offence.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell