(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Crown stays charges against PA police officer accused of criminal negligence causing death

Dec 27, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Update: The following statement was provided by Prince Albert police service on Dec 31, 2024.

“We respect the decision of the Provincial Crown to stay the criminal charges but recognize the need for further review through the ongoing investigation by the Provincial Complaints Commission. We are committed to accountability and transparency, and once the PCC’s findings are available, they will guide our next steps. Our thoughts remain with the family of the individual who passed away.”

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A Prince Albert police officer accused of criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life will not face trial.

Instead the Crown has stayed all of Tyson Morash’s charges.

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The case had initially been committed for trial at Court of King’s Bench, however as per court records, the decision by the Crown was made official on Dec. 3.

On Nov. 7, 2021, 33-year-old Saul Laliberte died while in the detention facility of the Prince Albert Police Service. His death was treated as an in-custody death and investigated by the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS).

PAPS was notified in June 2023, that based on the SPS investigation, the Crown was recommending charges.

In a statement provided to paNOW by the Ministry of Justice, they explained to move forward with a prosecution, Public Prosecutions must be satisfied that there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction and that it is in the public interest to continue with a prosecution.

They also explained Prosecutors must review cases on an ongoing basis to make sure the case continues to meet the standard for prosecution.

“After careful consideration, it was determined this case no longer met the prosecution standard. Given this assessment, the prosecutor directed a stay of proceedings,” they said.

Nolan Carter, President of the Prince Albert Police Association, also confirmed the charges have been stayed.

“Thank you to all that have supported Sgt. Morash throughout this challenging event. Your unwavering dedication and commitment to standing by him during this difficult time have been greatly appreciated. It has made a significant difference, and we are grateful for the strength and solidarity shown by the association,” Carter said in a statement.

Carter then stated this decision is a positive outcome for Morash and speaks to the thoroughness and fairness of the legal process.

“It is reassuring to see that the justice system has been careful in reviewing the case, have taken their time and shown due diligence allowing for a balanced and just resolution. The outcome underscores the importance of ensuring due process for all individuals, including those serving in law enforcement.”

Further noting this has been a long and challenging process, Carter acknowledged the tragic loss of life of Saul Laliberte, which he described as deeply saddening.

“We are grateful that the legal system has carefully reviewed the circumstances and determined that Sergeant Tyson Morash was not at fault. The staying of charges brings some closure, and we hope this will allow both the Morash Family as well as the Laliberte Family to begin healing and move forward from this difficult chapter.

At the time the charges were initially, the police service issued a statement, indicating Morash, pending the outcome of court proceedings, had been relieved from active duty. When paNOW attempted to contact the police service for comment, a spokesperson advised they are working on it but required more time.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and Prince Albert Grand Council, have also been following closely and previously noted concerns with how vulnerable people are being treated while in custody.

When paNOW attempted to reach out to PAGC for comment, we were advised with the holiday season, a response was more likely in the New Year.

In December, 2021, Morash was one of nine police officers to receive provincial recognition for a high profile murder investigation.

In March, 2020, Denis Carrier and his wife, Sandra Henry, were found deceased, as well as their seven-year-old grandson Bentlee. Their other grandchild, five-year-old Kendrah, was transported to hospital with series injuries, and after undergoing multiple surgeries, was welcomed home two months later with a parade.

Typically when a Crown Prosecutor chooses to stay charges its because they don’t believe there is enough evidence to get a conviction.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell