Family sends strong message to accused murderer

McKeaveney’s bail hearing itself was postponed a week for his lawyer to work further on the bail application.

Despite its brevity, the appearance had an impact on Burns’ family. Michelle and others cried as they left the court.

“Just to be in the same room as him; it’s hard,” Michelle said to explain her emotional reaction.

“He’s the last person that seen our sister,” said Katherine, another of Monica’s sisters.

Five guards – more than is common at the court – were in the room during the short court appearance.

When leaving the courtroom, McKeaveney had to walk close by the family.

“He won’t have power over us, he won’t have control over our feelings. We won’t cry over him, we’ll cry over Monica,” said Carriere-Burns.

The family has started a petition “for the courts to understand there are people that are suffering” because of Monica’s death, said Kavia Burns.

“If he’s asking for bail, Monica can’t get bail. She can’t get bail. She’s gone.”

The hurt left behind extends to their large blended family of five sisters and five brothers – and Monica’s eight-year-old daughter, who Michelle has been taking care of for three years. Right now, Michelle lives on an acreage outside Prince Albert.

“We’ve got part of Monica. She’s just a spitting image of her mom,” Michelle said.

In the months since the body of Burns, 28, was found they’ve been active in organizing marches, walks, and most recently camping out in front of the Court of Queen’s Bench.

“It’s a way of grieving. We lean on each other. We all supported each other with this and we all stayed together,” said Katherine.

They have yet to go to the desolate area where Monica’s body was found. About 15 kilometres out of Prince Albert, it’s surrounded by trees and covered in snow.

“It just kind of takes time to build your spirit back up and it’s hard right now so we’re just taking our time and not let it all drag us all at once. Because we don’t want to fall apart,” Michelle said.

The family smudged after they left court, a First Nations ritual Kavia says symbolizes strength – something particularly relevant in the growing concern for missing and murdered aboriginal women.

“Our women need to be honoured. We aren’t just nothing. We are valuable and we are created by God.”

McKeaveney’s bail hearing is set ahead a week from Tuesday, but he will also appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court later this week. At last report, McKeaveney was expected to appear by video. He remains in custody.

claskowski@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk

by Chelsea Laskowski

Family sends strong message to accused murderer

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