Court updates include sentencing in murder, manslaughter cases

Peace Regional RCMP said at the time that a man had gone to the emergency medical station in Cadotte Lake on September 12, 2021, with a gunshot wound.

He was later taken by STARS to hospital in Grande Prairie, where he died.

Police said the shooting took place at a Cadotte Lake home.

Clint Carifelle was arrested two days later.

Man charged with murder pleads guilty to manslaughter

Alberta Justice says a man charged after a Peace River murder has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter.

Derek Harold Ward was given a 10-year prison sentence, minus 936 days credit for time already spent in custody, in Peace River court.

Ward was charged after the death of 44-year-old Fred Whitehead on August 1, 2023.

RCMP said at the time they were called out to a report of an unresponsive male in the area of 99 Street and 100 Avenue. The man was later pronounced dead.

New trial dates set for accused in death of High Prairie baby

New trial dates have been set for the woman charged with murder after a seven month old baby died in High Prairie.

The trial for Kyra Renee Backs will now be held from January 5-30, 2026, in Peace River Court of King’s Bench.

A trial had previously been scheduled for January 6-25, 2025.

RCMP said at the time that the baby died on October 6, 2022. The circumstances of the child’s death were not released by RCMP.

Mounties did say that Backs ran a day home in High Prairie at the time.

Man charged in eight arrests given jail sentence

Alberta Justice says a man before Peace River court on eight separate arrests has pleaded guilty to some charges and been given jail time.

Dwayne Gabriel Sawan was given a total sentence of 160 days after pleading guilty to charges of threats to cause death or bodily harm, assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and two failure to comply charges.

Sawan was given 96 days credit for time already spent in custody.

Peace Regional RCMP said at the time that Sawan was arrested after tips from the public and after he was featured on Alberta RCMP social media for Wanted Wednesday.

Robbery suspect pleads guilty to reduced charge

Alberta Justice says a man charged with armed robbery after a hold up at a liquor store in High Level has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge.

Elvis Metsikassus admitted to charges of possession of stolen property and given 12 months probation.

He had been ordered to stand trial for robbery after a preliminary hearing.

RCMP said at the time on May 30, 2023, that four masked people went into the store. One pointed a firearm at someone working in the store and demanded money. The others stole alcohol and ran away.

Police said witnesses and CCTV footage led to them identifying suspects. This led to a search of a home in High Level.

by EverythingGP staff