A young man has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in connection with a double homicide on the Standing Buffalo First Nation.
The teenager, who is now 19, was among three people charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of 27-year-old Jessica Redman and 28-year-old Sheldon Yuzicappi.
On Wednesday, the teen entered guilty pleas to lesser charges of second-degree murder at Court of Queen’s Bench in Regina.
Redman and Yuzicappi were found dead in a home on the First Nation, located near Fort Qu’Appelle, in October 2012.
Details of the murders are expected to be heard in court at a later date after an agreed statement of facts has been filed.
The Crown said it will be seeking an adult life sentence for the teen, who was 17 at the time of the murders, while the teen's lawyer said he will be asking for a youth sentence.
Upon the request of both lawyers, Justice Catherine Dawson ordered a series of reports ahead of a sentencing hearing, including a psychological assessment and a pre-sentence report.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin Nov. 24.
Two other residents of the reserve – 21-year-old Brittany Bear and 22-year-old Kody Bear – remain before the courts after they were committed to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the case.
In an interview with CTV News, Standing Buffalo First Nation Chief Rodger Redman said the murders have had a significant impact on the community.
“It’s a tragedy all around for families and for the community,” said the chief, who is a relative of Jessica Redman.
“We’ve lost five of our members…One has plead guilty and two are deceased, and two more are still within the courts.”
