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- calendar_today October 26, 2026
First of Six Preliminary Hearings Starts for Saskatoon Murder Case
Ten individuals charged in connection with the timothy tootoosis murder are facing the first of six scheduled preliminary hearings this week in Saskatoon. These hearings relate to the December 2024 death of 30-year-old Timothy Tootoosis, whose body was found by police on December 18, 2024, at a home in the 1700 block of 22nd Street West.
Background: Discovery and Delayed Charges
Timothy Tootoosis, originally from Poundmaker Cree Nation west of North Battleford, was living in Saskatoon when he was killed. Though his body was discovered in December 2024, police did not lay any charges until nearly a year later, in November 2025. The remaining suspects were arrested the following month. All 10 accused are currently in custody as their cases proceed through the court system.
The Role of Preliminary Hearings
Preliminary hearings are standard in serious cases such as murder to determine if there is sufficient evidence to move forward to trial. During these hearings in saskatoon court, the Crown calls witnesses while the defense cross-examines them. There is usually a publication ban on the evidence presented, helping protect the accused's right to a fair trial. At the end of the process, a provincial court judge decides whether the case will be committed to trial in the Court of King's Bench.
Accused and Charges
The first preliminary hearing is for Nakita Jovanne Tootoosis, who was initially charged with manslaughter but whose charge was subsequently upgraded to first-degree murder. She is the only accused not facing additional charges. Timothy Tootoosis's mother, Priscilla Tootoosis-Iron, previously told CBC that Nakita is a cousin to Timothy. Her preliminary hearing started on Monday.
The next preliminary hearing, scheduled to begin on December 2, involves Michael Shawn Landry, Michael Alfred McCallum, and Rodrick P. D. Rabbitskin. Each faces charges of first-degree murder, unlawful confinement, and offering indignity to human remains. Priscilla Tootoosis-Iron has stated that her son was struggling with addiction at the time of his death and believes Timothy was lured and killed, with his body then dismembered.
Hearings Set for 2027
Three further accused—Emmery Shayden James Aubichon, Danaka Delia LaPlante, and Vernon Korey Peequaquat—are scheduled for their preliminary hearing beginning January 11, 2027. They face the same set of charges: first-degree murder, unlawful confinement, and offering indignity to human remains.
Shianna-Lee Dagenais, also charged with first-degree murder, unlawful confinement, and offering indignity to human remains, is scheduled for a hearing beginning February 1. Destini Fern Gardypie's preliminary hearing follows on February 22; she is charged with first-degree murder and unlawful confinement but not with offering indignity to human remains. Donovan Wiebe Lemstra will have the final hearing on March 8, with charges of first-degree murder, unlawful confinement, and offering indignity to human remains.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
With all 10 accused currently in custody, the outcomes of these preliminary hearings—presided over by a provincial court judge—will determine whether the cases proceed to the Court of King's Bench for trial. The handling of evidence under publication bans aims to ensure a fair process as the high-profile timothy tootoosis murder case moves forward through the legal system.
Source: cbc.ca.
