Jeremy Starblanket was found deceased in a home in Prince Albert in 2021. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Murder cases

Lawyer indicates accused in Starblanket murder case close to resolution

Nov 20, 2023 | 2:00 PM

There’s been a sudden change of plans with respect to a Prince Albert murder case.

Keyano Ahenakew’s scheduled preliminary inquiry hearing for Monday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court did not go ahead as planned. Rather, his lawyer Loree Richardson informed Judge Healey there have been substantive discussions between herself and the Crown prosecutor, and she indicated they are “close to a resolution.”

The case was adjourned to Wednesday, to set a date for a possible plea and sentencing.

Ahenakew was one of four people charged in the March, 2021 death of Jeremy Starblanket, and is facing one count of first-degree murder.

On the day of the incident, residents in the area of the 500 block of Fifth Street East reported hearing an explosion and several popping sounds then saw a cloud of black smoke. Jeremy Starblanket’s remains were later found amongst the ashes of the burned home.

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

1h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

5h ago

Raiders AGM

Raiders impact on Prince Albert local economy continues to go up: AGM report

23h ago

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

The woman who was ordered to picked up the supplies to start the fire, Loretta Sakekow, was in court last month and received a five-year prison sentence. A guily plea was entered to arson with disregard for human life.

Henry Ratt, another person charged with murder, has a preliminary inquiry scheduled for March, 2024 at provincial court.

Darren Masuskapoe, the fourth and final person arrested, had his matter stayed on Sept. 26. The Crown has up to a year to bring that case back to court, should new evidence come to light.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell