New charges laid in the death of Sask. RCMP officer
A suspect in the death of a Saskatchewan RCMP officer is facing a new charge of first degree murder after previous manslaughter charges were withdrawn, according to RCMP.
Const. Shelby Patton, who worked at the Indian Head detachment, was killed on June 12 after he stopped two suspects allegedly driving a stolen truck in the town of Wolseley, Sask. Patton, 26, was struck by the vehicle and later died at the scene.
Alphonse Stanley Traverse, 42, and Marlene Velma Louise Pagee, 43, both from Winnipeg, were originally charged with manslaughter, failure to stop after an accident resulting in death, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and breach of undertaking for leaving Manitoba.
On Friday, Saskatchewan RCMP said both manslaughter charges have been withdrawn. Traverse is now charged with first degree murder, while Pagee is charged with accessory after the fact to murder. All other charges are still before the courts.
“Since June 12, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit North investigators have remained committed to the investigation into the death of Cst. Shelby Patton. This includes conducting further witness interviews and completing forensic examinations,” said Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, in a statement.
Traverse appeared by video in provincial court on Friday morning. He is scheduled to be back in court on Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. when he will be spoken to by the judge.
Pagee appeared by video from Pine Grove Correction Centre on Friday afternoon. Because the manslaughter charge against Pagee has been dropped, the lawyer representing her is requesting a bail verification report from the judge.
According to the Elizabeth Fry Society, the bail verification process involves gathering interviews that would be shared with the courts to help determine if the accused should be released from custody. The lawyers representing Pagee said there is a residence in Winnipeg secured for her through the Elizabeth Fry Society if she is released.
The judge confirmed he will complete this report. Pagee will remain in custody in the meantime and the matter will return to provincial court on Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.