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Skylar Fern. (Mackenzie Funeral Home)
Court proceedings

Sentencing postponed in Fond-du-Lac murder case

Feb 17, 2022 | 5:26 PM

A man responsible for the death of a man in Fond-du-Lac nearly two years ago, will have to wait a few more months to learn his fate.

Jacob John Pacquette, 21, was scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday at La Ronge Provincial Court, but the case was adjourned to May 19.

The reason cited by the Crown Prosecutor’s office was to have a date when “everyone necessary for the Court party,” could be in the northern community.

Skylar’s death impacted the whole community, and residents were asked by family to hang jerseys in their windows to pay tribute to the young man who had a deep passion for hockey. (Facebook/ Evan Fern)

Pacquette was originally charged with second degree murder. However, on Nov. 26, 2021, a guilty plea to manslaughter was entered in court.The case itself dates back to the morning of April 18, 2020.

At 6 a.m., Fond du Lac RCMP were called to a residence due to a dispute, where they found two people injured.

Skylar Smith, an 18-year-old from the community, who also went by Skylar Fern, was later pronounced dead at hospital. A 19-year-old woman was also found injured.

Pacquette fled from the scene to another residence, where he was arrested without incident at 7:31 a.m.

The victim was described by family as very athletic, as well as kind and humble. And when Fern’s body was transported back to Fond-du-Lac for the funeral, community members were there waiting with their hockey sticks and jerseys on.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell