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Michael Joel-Hansen

@mjhskcdn.bsky.social
301 followers 386 following 186 posts

Journalist with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. Mostly focusing on courts and crime.

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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
The Saskatoon Hilltops are taking on the Edmonton Wildcats Saturday in the PFC semifinals.
thestarphoenix.com
Tiebreak gives Hilltops home playoff game against Edmonton Wildcats
The Hilltops capped their season with a 4-4 record heading into the PFC semi-finals.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Jason Halkett has been sentenced to six years for starting the Ditch 2 fire in May 2025. After remand credit he has just over four and half years to serve.
thestarphoenix.com
Northern Sask. man gets six years for starting 2025 wildfire near Weyakwin
Jason Wilson Halkett started a wildfire near Weyakwin that displaced more than 100 people in 2025.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Brent James Gabona recently withdrew a request for day parole. He was set to have a hearing Oct. 20. Gabona is serving a six and half year prison sentence for sexually abusing residents who under his care at a care home in Hepburn.
thestarphoenix.com
Victim of Sask. care aide abuser relieved after Brent Gabona withdraws day parole request
The Parole Board of Canada confirmed a hearing set for Oct. 20 at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary has been cancelled.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Katlim Desjarlais-Kelly was convicted last February of manslaughter for fatally shooting Arden Panipekeesick after an argument in the living room of a Saskatoon home in 2024.
thestarphoenix.com
Nine-year sentence for Saskatoon man involved in deadly living room shooting
Katlim Desjarlais-Kelly was convicted of manslaughter by a Saskatoon jury in 2025 for the shooting death of Arden Panipekeesick.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Gina Pearl Beatty will spent two years less a day in jail after pleading guilty to two assaults which occurred on the same day in August 2025.
thestarphoenix.com
Woman gets jail sentence for separate 'unprovoked' assaults on Saskatoon senior and officer
Judge Bruce Bauer agreed that a custodial sentence of two years less a day was appropriate for Gina Pearl Beatty.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A former music teacher was given a conditional sentence after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a student in the 1980s. Raymond Eldon McHargue has been before the courts a number of times for sexual offences. The earliest being in 1976.
thestarphoenix.com
Mother of previous victim speaks out as former Sask. music teacher gets second child sex assault sentence
Between 1984 and 1988, Raymond Eldon McHargue sexually assaulted a young male student in his home during organ lessons.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Brandon Taylor Moore was given an 18 month conditional sentence Monday afternoon in Saskatoon provincial court. He pleaded guilty to a single count of inciting hatred this past June for post he made online.
thestarphoenix.com
Saskatoon realtor gets conditional sentence for inciting hatred against Jewish people online
Brandon Taylor Moore said he "never wished harm on any person," but acknowledged how his words were received is his "responsibility."
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The Crown is seeking a 10 year prison sentence for a man who pleaded guilty to starting a fire which forced 100s of people from their homes in May 2025. Meanwhile Jason Wilson Halkett’s defence lawyer has put forward a sentence of around three years.
thestarphoenix.com
Arsonist's sentencing hears 2025 Sask. wildfire destroyed 234,000 hectares
Jason Halkett, 29, pleaded guilty to arson for starting the Ditch 2 fire on May 26, 2025.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
A-28-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to assaulting two people, including a senior in a community garden in August 2025 will return to court Sept. 29 to learn her sentence. The Crown wants Gina Beatty to serve her time in custody, while the defence asked for a conditional sentence.
thestarphoenix.com
Sentencing decision reserved for woman guilty of assaulting senior and police constable
A Saskatoon senior who was assaulted in a community garden more than one year ago is still recovering from her injuries, she says, as sentencing
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
On Friday a former principal at a Saskatoon private Christian school was convicted of three counts of assault with a weapon. Duff Arthur Friesen is set to return to court next month for sentencing arguments.
thestarphoenix.com
Jury finds Duff Friesen guilty of three counts of assault with a weapon
A former principal of a private Christian school in Saskatoon stared straight ahead in the prisoner's box, showing no emotion, as he was found guilty on
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Jury deliberations are set to begin today at the trial of Duff Friesen. The former private Christian school principal is accused of assaulting five students with a wooden paddle between 1997 and 2007.
thestarphoenix.com
Credibility of witnesses main focus during closing arguments at Duff Friesen trial
The prosecution is encouraging jurors at Duff Arthur Friesen's assault trial to believe the five witnesses who testified they were assaulted by the former
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A 31-year-old man facing charges for throwing eggs at a synagogue in Saskatoon last month was not present when his charges were spoken to in provincial court Wednesday afternoon. Jayden Clarke is charged with three counts of mischief under $5000.
thestarphoenix.com
Accused synagogue egg thrower not in attendance for first court appearance
A 31-year-old Dundurn man accused of throwing eggs at a Saskatoon synagogue and vandalizing cars in the parking lot is scheduled to return to court in
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The trial of Duff Arthur Friesen is finished hearing evidence. Lawyers are set to return to court Thursday for closing submissions. Friesen is charged with five counts of assault with a weapon. The offences are alleged to have occurred when he worked at a private Christian school in Saskatoon.
thestarphoenix.com
Paddles used in 'certain' cases, former CCA staff member testifies
Daniel Mol, the defence lawyer for Duff Arthur Friesen called his first witness Monday morning at Saskatoon Court of King's Bench.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
A former Saskatoon massage therapist was sentenced Friday at King’s Bench Court. Kenneth Braun was convicted by a jury last November of five counts of sexual assault.
thestarphoenix.com
Kenneth Braun gets prison sentence for five counts of sexual assault
In a room packed with victims and their supporters, Justice Krista Zerr delivered her sentencing decision.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
A 37-year-old man with numerous convictions for voyeurism, indecent acts and trespassing at night testified in his own defence Thursday in Saskatoon provincial court. Kyle Hameluck is accused of violating his release conditions by being in possession of a cell phone with a camera.
thestarphoenix.com
Kyle Hameluck claims he didn't breach conditions as he testifies in his own defence
Hameluck is accused of breaching his release conditions by having a phone with the ability to record video.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A former student told the jury at Duff Friesen’s assault trial that his former principal struck him on two different occasions with a wooden paddle. Friesen is charged with five counts of assault with a weapon.
thestarphoenix.com
Former student testifies to being 'struck' with paddle at Saskatoon private Christian school
"He struck me three times," said Coy Nolin, testifying at Saskatoon King's Court of King's Bench at the trial of Duff Arthur Friesen.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
A Saskatchewan man with an extensive criminal history dating back to 2019 is asking a King’s Bench judge to change his probation conditions to allow him to leave the province. Travis Patron says he wants to petition to move the nation’s capital from Ottawa to Quebec.
thestarphoenix.com
Travis Patron asks to amend probation so he can leave Sask. to petition to move nation's capital to Quebec
He's not allowed to leave the province as per the probation conditions of his two most recent sentences for criminal harassment and impersonating peace officers.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Curtis Dagenais has been granted a second adjournment to allow him to seek legal advice regarding a Crown motion to seize the pickup truck he was driving when he shot 3 RCMP officers in 2006. The Crown is seeking a forfeiture order for the vehicle which is in the possession of the RCMP.
thestarphoenix.com
Convicted cop killer Curtis Dagenais granted more time to argue truck forfeiture
Dagenais told court he wants to preserve his GMC truck because he believes it will help him prove his innocence.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Jim Reiter announced Saskatchewan’s budget deficit is expected to come in at $825 million, higher that the $819 projected at budget time. He also announced the province has seen a large influx in revenue due to higher oil prices brought on by the Strait of Hormuz closure.
thestarphoenix.com
Sask. minister strikes optimistic tone as government releases first quarter financial update
Jim Reiter announced Saskatchewan is projecting a $825 million deficit, up from the $819 million shortfall originally projected.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is announcing “reciprocal” tariffs on American alcohol products. However, he opposes proposed export tariffs on oil and potash.
thestarphoenix.com
Premier Moe talks tariffs, trade war and Saskatchewan's position on Canada-U.S. hostility
Moe said American liquor will continue to be available for purchase in Saskatchewan, but a 50 per cent tariff will be applied to all products.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Saskatchewan’s Court of Appeal is reinstating a proposed $25 million class action lawsuit against a controversial private Saskatoon Christian school.
thestarphoenix.com
Sask. appeal court reinstates lawsuit against private Christian school in Saskatoon
The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal set aside a King's Bench decision that stayed the lawsuit, filed by former students alleging historical abuse.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Eagle feathers will now be available alongside religious texts for people to swear or affirm with in Saskatchewan provincial courts.
thestarphoenix.com
Indigenous leader, advocate praise addition of eagle feathers in Sask. courts
The Provincial Court of Saskatchewan recently announced that people can now swear or affirm using eagle feathers available at its 13 permanent locations.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Brittany Dawn Barry, who pleaded guilty to killing two people in a fatal collision in October 2024 has been approved for day parole.
thestarphoenix.com
Day parole granted for Sask. woman who killed two after drinking and driving
Brittany Dawn Barry has been approved for six months of day parole once she becomes eligible.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Alternative Response Officers are walking the beat in downtown Saskatoon and other areas. The StarPhoenix was recently invited to walk along.
thestarphoenix.com
Building relationships and preventing crime: On the beat with Saskatoon's alternative response officers
AROs can make arrests and issue tickets, but unlike regular constables, they don't carry guns or patrol residential areas.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
The 58-year-old man was sentenced to two years less a day after pleading guilty to committing an offence under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Act.
thestarphoenix.com
Saskatoon man gets conditional sentence for obtaining work permits through fake business scheme
Balvir Singh took thousands of dollars from workers and provided them with fraudulently-obtained work and residency permits after creating fake businesses.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Jason Pacik, 43 is set to have a preliminary hearing this coming January to see if he’ll face trial for two fraud charges. Pacik is accused of defrauding people through his timber construction company.
thestarphoenix.com
Preliminary hearing set for alleged Saskatoon timber fraudster
Jason Pacik, 43, is accused of taking payments through his construction company, Prairie Timber Group Limited, and failing to complete the jobs.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
The Government of Saskatchewan is touting its success recruiting out of province health care workers. Since 2022 the province says 7,500 health care professionals have made the move. Jeremy Cockrill also responded to plans by a major health care union to hold a strike vote in the fall.
thestarphoenix.com
More than 700 doctors recruited from out of province since 2022: Sask. government
The province says 7,500 health care professionals have come to Saskatchewan since the government launched its Health Human Resource Action Plan in 2022.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Saskatchewan RCMP are going to be rolling out a new rotation model to staff some detachments in northern Saskatchewan.
thestarphoenix.com
Sask. RCMP set to expand rotation staffing to more northern communities
RCMP officers assigned to Pelican Narrows, Deschambault Lake, Sandy Bay and Creighton will be deployed to the communities on a rotational basis.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A number of people are facing charges in relation to robberies and assaults which happened in Saskatoon’s downtown this month.
thestarphoenix.com
Charges laid after recent random crimes in Saskatoon's downtown
According to the Saskatoon Police Service's online crime map from July 1 to 22, police have responded to at least eight robberies in the city's downtown.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Saskatchewan’s Court of Appeal is upholding the indefinite prison sentence of Joesph Yaremko along with his designation as a dangerous offender.
thestarphoenix.com
Sask. appeal court upholds sentence, dangerous offender designation for Joseph Yaremko
Yaremko, 43, was convicted in 2021 of sexual assault and confinement in relation to a 2019 home invasion.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
In a lawsuit filed this month in Saskatoon King’s Bench Court a Saskatchewan teacher alleges the Prairie South School Division and Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation failed to protect her in the workplace despite repeated warnings.
thestarphoenix.com
Lawsuit alleges school division, union ignored Sask. teacher's concerns leading up to and after classroom assault
In a lawsuit filed this month in Saskatoon, the Gravelbourg teacher says her school division failed to protect her in her workplace.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Tyler Pambrun offered an apology to the family Matthew Brabant Monday in Saskatoon provincial court. Brabant, 20 was shot and killed at a Saskatoon motel in May 2025.
thestarphoenix.com
Man gets 7.5 years for fatal May 2025 motel shooting in Saskatoon
Tyler Wayne Pambrun was sentenced to seven and half years for his role in the shooting death of Matthew Brabant at a Saskatoon motel.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
A 45-year-old Saskatoon man is set to return to Saskatoon provincial court in September for sentencing after pleading guilty to a charge of inciting hatred. Brandon Taylor Moore entered the guilty plea Monday.
thestarphoenix.com
Saskatoon man Brandon Taylor Moore pleads guilty to inciting hatred
Brandon Taylor Moore pleaded guilty to inciting hatred against an identifiable group Monday in Saskatoon provincial court.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
A second return to Cleveland?
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Kenneth Braun, a former Saskatoon massage therapist convicted of five counts of sexual assault after a jury trial this past November will be sentenced this coming September. The Crown is asking for a four year prison term while the defence has asked for a conditional sentence.
thestarphoenix.com
Ex-massage therapist Kenneth Braun to be sentenced in September for sexual assault
Kenneth Braun was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault after a jury trial in Saskatoon last November.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Wylie Gunnar Vermette will serve two years in jail followed by two years of probation after pleading guilty to three charges in relation to a fatal vehicle collision in June 2024.
thestarphoenix.com
'Driving like a bat out of hell': Wylie Vermette gets two years for fatal Saskatoon crash
"He and he alone was responsible for the collision that day. I do not know why he was driving like a bat out of hell, I was given no reason."
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The deputy mayor of Denare Beach is responding to the findings of an independent review which looked at the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s handling of wildfires last summer. While Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail is calling for accountability at the ministerial level.
thestarphoenix.com
Northern Sask. leader 'surprisingly' pleased with 2025 wildfire report; MLA calls for accountability
"The report laid bare a lot of things where there was either epic failures or there was some definite room for improvement."
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
The Government of Saskatchewan is responding to the release of an independent report which looked at the response to the 2025 wildfire season.
thestarphoenix.com
'We have to do better': Province admits improvement needed after release of wildfire report
The report contained 11 key recommendations that the provincial government says it has directed the SPSA to implement immediately.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Media were recently invited to tour the Nutrien Pilot Plant at Innovation Place on the University of Saskatchewan campus. The plant is where the world’s largest potash miner tests new technologies before deployment.
thestarphoenix.com
Saskatoon-based plant helps Nutrien test new technology
The tests take place in a "mock" mine, simulating how the equipment would work underground.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Saskatchewan RCMP are once again searching for a suspect in relation to a shooting which happened Monday in Pelican Narrows. Police announced Wednesday afternoon a suspect arrested Monday evening had been released without charges following further investigation.
thestarphoenix.com
Suspect released as RCMP continue searching for Pelican Narrows shooter
RCMP said a man arrested on Monday evening was released without charges after further investigation. They released a video of the suspect.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Saskatchewan RCMP provided an update Tuesday morning about a shooting in Pelican Narrows which led to the issuing of a dangerous person alert. Police said an unidentified woman was killed while a man was seriously injured. A suspect is in custody. Charges have not yet been laid.
thestarphoenix.com
Sask. RCMP working to identify victim in fatal Pelican Narrows shooting
RCMP said two people were shot on the same road at two separate locations a "short distance" from each other. A woman died at the scene.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Jay’siiah Webb-Long’s remains were recently found in the northern Saskatchewan community of Pelican Narrows. His family believes the teenage boy was taken from his home in Brampton Ontario by nefarious people.
thestarphoenix.com
Ontario boy's family believes 'someone nefarious' took him to Sask. First Nation where he was found dead
A family spokesperson for Jay'siiah Webb-Long believes the Ontario teen found dead in Pelican Narrows was taken there by "someone nefarious."
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
The 44-year-old man has been designated as a dangerous offender and will serve an additional two years in prison followed by 10 years of supervision in the community.
thestarphoenix.com
Cory Smockum gets determinate dangerous offender sentence for attempted murder
He has two more years in jail, followed by a 10-year supervision order, for a brutal attack against his then-girlfriend in a Hanley garage.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
The Government of Saskatchewan announced Monday that residents who own firearms recently reclassified as prohibited by the federal government can apply for certificates to allow them to continue legally storing their guns while seeking compensation.
thestarphoenix.com
Sask. gun owners can apply to keep recently-banned firearms while seeking compensation
While the feds have jurisdiction over firearms legislation, the province oversees personal property and can therefore take action.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal has shortened the sentence for Bernie Herman, a former RCMP officer convicted of manslaughter in January 2024.
thestarphoenix.com
Sentence shortened for former Sask. Mountie convicted of killing lover
Bernie Herman will now serve eight instead of 11 years for manslaughter in the shooting death of Braden Herman north of P.A. in 2021.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
A Saskatoon King’s Bench judge is reserving his sentencing decision for a man who pleaded guilty to three charges in relation to a fatal vehicle collision in June 2024.
thestarphoenix.com
Sentence reserved for Wylie Vermette in fatal Saskatoon dangerous driving case
Lawyers proposed a two-year jail term for Vermette, who crashed into an SUV while speeding in Saskatoon's Kelsey Woodlawn area in 2024.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Roderick Sutherland was given a seven and half year sentence for his role in the death of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
thestarphoenix.com
Roderick Sutherland gets 7.5 years for role in Megan Gallagher homicide
Sutherland was the last of seven people to be sentenced in connection with Gallagher's killing in Saskatoon in September 2020.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Dismissed Saskatoon Police Service officer Dylan Kemp pleaded guilty to an assault charge Thursday in Saskatoon provincial court. The 35 year old was given a 12 month conditional discharge for assaulting a woman at a house party in September 2024.
thestarphoenix.com
Former Saskatoon officer gets conditional discharge for off-duty assault at party
Dylan Kemp won't have a criminal record if he abides by conditions for 12 months. Court heard he assaulted a coworker at his party in 2024.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
A man previously convicted of willful promotion of hatred, criminal harassment and assault is facing new criminal charges. Travis Patron, 35, was recently arrested by Carlyle RCMP and charged with willfully promoting hatred against an identifiable group.
thestarphoenix.com
Travis Patron, Sask. man with prior hate crime convictions, accused of new hate crime
Travis Patron, 35, was arrested by Carlyle RCMP on April 10 after police got reports about "hateful" material being posted online.
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Michael Joel-Hansen @mjhskcdn.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Sentencing submissions were heard Monday for Roderick William Sutherland at Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench. Sutherland was convicted by a jury last October for his role in the death of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
thestarphoenix.com
'We would much rather be celebrating': Megan Gallagher's family attends sentencing hearing days after her birthday
A jury convicted Roderick William Sutherland in 2025 of manslaughter, unlawful confinement and committing an indignity to human remains.
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