The body of Sheena Marie Billette, 28, was found on Hwy 102 north of La Ronge. (Sheena Marie/Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Trial commences for two more charged in Billette murder case

Jan 21, 2024 | 8:00 AM

Noting it’s been four years since his daughter’s death, Willie Billette says anything anything less than a guilty verdict will not bring closure to his family.

The grieving father is commenting ahead of Monday’s scheduled trial at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert.

Deborah Maggie Mckenzie, and Sharise Justice Sutherland-Kayseas are facing charges of first degree murder and kidnapping in the Dec, 2019 death of 28-year-old Sheena Billette. Her body was found on Highway 102 north of La Ronge.

“I want justice for my daughter,” Willie Billette told paNOW on Friday, adding the trial does provide the family with some sense of closure.

Billette leaves behind four children, who range in age from 5 to 14, and currently reside with family in Regina.

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“Sometimes when you put them to bed they cry, I miss mommy, and what can we do but cry with them. That’s what’s been going on for four years,” Willie said.

While acknowledging tremendous support from friends and family, as well as the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Chief and Council at Buffalo River Dene River, and victims’ services, Willie also confessed he has lost faith in the justice system.

He cited the example of Myles Sanderson who was out on parole when he killed 11 people at James Smith Cree Nation and nearby village of Weldon. Over a dozen others were also injured.

A public inquest in Melfort is currently reviewing the details from the Sept, 2022 incident.

“I don’t want that to happen over here. It’s been awful. I don’t want anybody to go through what I went through,” Willie said.

A total of three weeks have been set aside for the trial, which was initially scheduled to be tried by a jury but following re-election by the defence, will now be tried by a judge.

Crown Prosecutor Shawn Blackman has indicated plans to call 23 witnesses.

Also charged in the case was Telsa McKenzie, who after entering a guilty plea to manslaughter, received a sentence of four and a half years.

Charlie Charles is in need of a new lawyer, so is awaiting a new trial date and Kandi Rose Ratt, who was accused of being an accessory after the fact, had her charge stayed by the Crown.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell