James Misponas leaves a La Ronge courthouse. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

courts

Sentence handed down for impaired driving causing death case

Feb 24, 2026 | 1:39 PM

A 23-year-old has been sentenced to two years less a day for impaired driving causing death. 

The sentence was handed down in a La Ronge courtroom on Monday. Aside from the prison sentence, James Misponas was also given three years probation, a four-year driving prohibition to start upon release from incarceration, as well as a weapons prohibition for 10 years. 

According to an agreed statement of facts, Misponas, who was 21 at the time, was travelling westbound along La Ronge Avenue in a grey Kia Forte on Sept. 29, 2023 when they struck William (Billy) Taylor, 56, who was walking in the opposite direction. While the moment of collision wasn’t caught on surveillance, video from a nearby business shows Taylor on the hood of the vehicle, tumbling over the top and then landing in the middle of the street. 

Taylor was taken to the hospital, where he died a day later as the result of a brain injury. 

Moments after Taylor was struck, Misponas then collided into a Ford Expedition which was stopped at the intersection of La Ronge Avenue and Brown Street. The Kia continued through the intersection and came to a stop near Lakeview Apartments. 

courts

Sentence handed down for impaired driving causing death case

3h ago

Crime

Over a dozen charges laid after car jacking in Northern Saskatchewan

3h ago

Drive Away Hunger

Farm Credit Canada fights food insecurity with campaign

5h ago

While exiting the Kia, Misponas was approached by two bystanders. Misponas attempted to flee from the scene, but the bystanders caught up to Misponas and forced them to remain at the scene. 

The scene of the incident following the arrest of James Misponas. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Misponas was later detained and two hours after the collision was determined to have a blood alcohol level of .291, which is three-and-a-half times the legal limit. 

The agreed statement of facts notes Misponas was travelling at a normal speed, did not intent to hit Taylor, and that they had no previous criminal or driving record. 

In a victim impact statement, Taylor’s sister Victoria Cook wrote the incident has had a profound impact on their family. She called the pain and devastation caused by Taylor’s untimely death as immeasurable. 

“When my brother Billy died, I felt my heart break,” she wrote. 

“I lost my ability to function to sleep. It impacted my relationships and work. I would wake up every morning and relive everything, crying, knowing that he was gone. I feel sick when I think of how he died, what had happened to my little brother? Did he suffer? Did he feel pain? Did he see it coming? What were his last thoughts? Did he think of us, his family, his children? Was he scared?” 

Cook noted Taylor was stolen from his family and that his death will have a lifelong impact. She also added she would like to see Misponas incarcerated and would like to see justice be served. 

—

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com