Deborah McKenzie and Sharise Sutherland Kayseas were escorted by deputy sheriifs to Prince Albert Court of King's Bench. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Trial commences

Details of La Ronge murder case protected by publication ban

Jan 22, 2024 | 3:00 PM

The details surrounding a woman’s death and how her body came to be found along a highway north of La Ronge in late 2019, have been protected by a publication ban.

The interim order was made Monday morning by Justice Zerr, who is presiding over the trials at Prince Albert Court of King’s Bench for Deborah McKenzie and Sharise Sutherland-Kayseas.

They were among multiple people charged in the death of Sheena Billette, and are accused of first degree murder and kidnapping.

Essentially the reason for the order, is one of the other co-accused in the case, Charlie Charles, still has outstanding charges and could possibly be tried by a jury. Details presented at this trial could threaten the desired impartiality.

Sheena Billette had four children. (Facebook)

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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.

Kandi Rose Ratt, who was at one time accused of being an accessory after the fact, had her charge stayed by the Crown.

Among those sitting in the courtroom on Monday, were half a dozen members of Sheena Billette’s family. During witness testimony, they were observed wiping away tears and embracing each other. Speaking with paNOW on Friday, Sheena’s father Willie stated anything less than a guilty verdict will not bring closure to his family.

There were also two people in court to support McKenzie and Sutherland-Kayseas.

A total of three weeks have been set aside for the trial and the Crown has previously indicated plans to call 23 witnesses. Monday’s proceedings concluded after testimony from two witnesses.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell