(File photo/paNOW)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court

Man charged after Emma Lake fatal crash enters not guilty pleas

Dec 10, 2025 | 10:46 AM

A man alleged responsible for a fatal crash in the Emma Lake area has entered not guilty pleas and opted to be tried by judge alone at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert.

Raven Bird’s attendance was waived when his matter was discussed Wednesday morning at provincial court. The pleas were entered by way of his lawyer Evan Strelioff.

Prior to the case going to trial, it will first be heard at a preliminary inquiry hearing where the judge will hear the Crown’s evidence and, in addition to deciding whether to commit the case for trial, may also decide on whether the current charges best fit the crime. Two days have been set aside for the hearing: May 4 and May 8, 2026.

In relation to the two vehicle crash in April, 2022 that killed 64-year-old Keith Herzog, Bird was charged with dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop after the scene of a collision causing death, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (a 2001 GMC Sierra truck).

Keith Herzog, a maintenance supervisor at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary was on his way to work when the crash occurred. (Submitted photo)

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Bird was arrested last July after an alleged break-in attempt in Saskatoon. As per discussion heard when he appeared in court the next day, forensic evidence left at the scene of the crash had been connected to Bird.

In addition to the crash and Saskatoon charges, Bird also has outstanding charges from 2018 which relate to multiple break-ins that occurred at cabins in the Christopher Lake area.

All three matters return to court on May 4, 2026.

—
nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell