Michael Bird, the 33-year-old accused in the murder of Trevor LaPlante had his case adjourned until Aug. 28 at Prince Albert Provincial Court on Wednesday morning.
Several of LaPlante’s family members were in the gallery for the appearance. Bird’s new defense attorney Zachary Carter appeared by phone and requested an adjournment so he could receive disclosure from the Crown, Gail Douglas. Carter, of Pfefferle Law in Saskatoon, is working the case as a Legal Aid attorney.
Bird had his appearance waived with the consent of the Crown for this appearance.
Crown consented to the adjournment and Bird has been remanded in custody until that date.
Judge Robert Lane explained to the gallery how discovery and disclosure works and that with a new defence attorney in Carter, there would have to be disclosure before the case could
move forward.
Lane expressed how a complicated case such as one of second degree murder can take time especially one that is in the early stages such as Bird’s case.
“This is going to be a long, and sadly painful process,” Lane said.
Lane explained that the Provincial Court does about 90 per cent of cases in Saskatchewan but the court could not decide bail on a charge of second-degree murder. Lane said that the
Provincial Court can run the preliminary hearing, which in a case like Bird’s could run up to four days.
“The system is not perfect because people are not perfect—including me,” Lane said.
He said that in a case of second degree murder, ultimately Court of King’s Bench will take care of the trial and sentencing.
Lane said that justice tries to be just and fair. He pointed to the talent of both Carter and Douglas.
“Whether justice ends up being found is our goal,” Lane said.
LaPlante, 52, is being remembered for his decades of work at McDonald’s and Burger King, and his positivity that could be seen at many community events, especially at Prince Albert Raiders games.
Prince Albert police reported finding LaPlante’s body on the 500 block of 18th Street East on July 22.
According to Prince Albert Police, a 52-year-old man was found deceased on the 500 block
of 18th Street East on July 22. The man was later identified as LaPlante.
Parkland Ambulance was originally on the scene after a report of a man not conscious and not breathing. The Prince Albert Police Service were called to the scene and the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Bird is charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a body. He made his first courtappearance at Provincial Court on July 26.
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
