Prince Albert Police on scene Friday at the Rivercrest Apartment building, which happens to be across the street from the provincial courthouse. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Man accused of committing murder at P.A. apartment building makes first court appearance

Oct 10, 2023 | 12:05 PM

Less than 100 feet away from the Prince Albert apartment building where a man was found dead Friday morning, the man alleged responsible appeared for court.

Devon Bird, 29, is facing a charge of second-degree murder in the death of 37-year-old Trevor Ballantyne. Ballantyne was found at the Rivercrest Apartment building and pronounced deceased at the scene.

During Tuesday’s short hearing at provincial court, Bird’s lawyer indicated the need to have more time to review the Crown’s evidence, and the matter was adjourned to Oct. 24. In the meantime, Bird remains in custody.

Trisha Badger is the mother of Ballantyne’s two children and was present in the court’s gallery.

“It’s gonna forever bug me that my kids don’t have a dad. I have to raise two kids all by myself,” she said.

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While the motive for the incident remains unclear at this stage of the court proceedings, a social media post appears to indicate there was some sort of social gathering occurring.

This picture showing Bird and Ballantyne together, was posted to social media just hours before the murder happened. (Facebook)

Acknowledging Ballantyne struggled with addictions, Badger said he was still kind.

“No matter what was thrown at him, he was always happy and he always made everybody laugh,” she said.

Bird’s two children are 11 and 15 years and Badger said they are both still in shock and coming to terms with the fact their father is gone.

A poem written by Ballantyne. (Submitted/ Trisha Badger)

The incident at the apartment building marks the city’s third homicide this year.

Anyone who may have any information, heard or observed anything suspicious in the multi-dwelling building, between 1:00 am and 7:00 am on Oct. 6, is encouraged to contact Prince Albert Police or Crime Stoppers.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Man accused of committing murder at P.A. apartment building makes first court appearance

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