Tristen Naytowhow leaves Court of King's Bench in Prince Albert at the conclusion of his trial for the second degree murder of Chad Bird several years ago. (Image Credit: Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Chad Bird homicide

Judge reserves decision in second-degree murder trial

Oct 16, 2026 | 6:02 AM

A decision on the guilt or innocence of Tristen Naytowhow in connection with the death of Chad Bird will have to wait until December.

Justice Meschisnick of Prince Albert Court of King’s Bench said he would deliver his verdict Dec. 8.

The announcement followed almost two weeks of trial. Court heard Bird was found dead outside a home in Montreal Lake on June 7, 2022.

A key witness, Lacey Bird, testified she did not remember much about the evening, but her previous statements and preliminary hearing testimony were more detailed.

Proceedings on Oct. 15 included arguments from the Crown and defence over whether Lacey Bird’s previous statements should be admitted under an exception to the hearsay rule.

Chad Bird homicide

Judge reserves decision in second-degree murder trial

1h ago

Coach's Show

Raiders' Shingoose heading to World U17

14h ago

Suites included

New year target for next steps on voluntary landlord registry

14h ago

Hearsay evidence is generally inadmissible because the person who made the statement cannot be cross-examined in court.

Meschisnick did not rule on the admissibility of the statements today.

According to submissions by the Crown and defence during closing arguments, Naytowhow, Julian Ganton and Lacey Bird were in Montreal Lake that evening.

At about 2 or 3 a.m., two gunshots were heard. Chad Bird was found dead the following morning with a gunshot wound to his back.

Ganton said he heard the shots and left as quickly as he could. Witnesses saw Ganton’s truck. One woman testified she drove Naytowhow from Montreal Lake to Prince Albert, where he dropped something off at a residence, before they returned to Montreal Lake.

The Crown and defence agreed the key question is the identity of the person who fired the shot.

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Judge reserves decision in second-degree murder trial

What's Trending