Deborah McKenzie was not happy to see the media while being escorted to the court house. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Sentencing adjourned

Sentencing decision reserved for La Ronge manslaughter case

Nov 4, 2024 | 5:15 PM

The fate of two women, involved with the torture, kidnapping and death of a woman in La Ronge nearly five years ago, now rests in the hands of a Prince Albert King’s Bench Justice.

Sentencing decisions for Sharise Sutherland-Kayseas and Deborah McKenzie have been reserved to Dec. 11.

Last week the Crown asked for life sentences for the manslaughter convictions. Typically the range of sentencing for a conviction of this nature falls between 4 and 12 years.

On Monday, the defence had a turn to make their arguments and Sharise’s lawyer argued a sentence of 8 to 10 years was appropriate, while McKenzie’s lawyer is seeking time served.

In late December, 2019, Sheena Billette’s lifeless body was found along the highway north of La Ronge. Earlier that night, before being forced into the back seat of a car, had been escorted to a house in the community and forced to beg over a drug debt. Billette was stabbed over 40 times and her face had been beaten to the point of being barely recognizable.

Sentencing adjourned

Sentencing decision reserved for La Ronge manslaughter case

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While it’s unclear who actually stabbed Billette, Sutherland-Kayseas had been among two people sitting in the back seat. She was also previously described as the muscle and was known as a higher up with a street gang.

Sutherland-Kayseas’ lawyer Loree Richardson stated on Monday that in 2022, following the death of a close friend, Sutherland-Kayseas had severed her gang ties and has been committed and successful with programming at the Edmonton institution she is being housed at.

“She’s realized the gang subculture is really no family at all,” she said.

Sharise Sutherland-Kayseas. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Noting Sharise’s upbringing, Richardson described some disturbing Gladue factors including extensive family exposure to gangs, as well as sexual and physical abuse. Richardson noted one particular incident and traumatizing memory, where her own father had taken her hostage and held a knife to her throat while she cried out “no daddy don’t.”

Richardson also stated Sutherland-Kayseas is deeply remorseful for her actions.

“She has acknowledged that night has impacted so many lives,” Richardson said.

Previously sentenced in the case was Charlie Charles, who was 21 at the time of the offence, and while being a party to what transpired but was not involved in the assault, received eight years for manslaughter.

Admitting to consuming cocaine, Charles said he had no memory of the incident.

Telsa Jane Mckenzie was sentenced in January of last year and received just over four and a half years. With credit for time spent in remand custody, she had less than three months left to serve.

Also accused with accessory after the fact to murder was Kandi Rose Ratt, but her charge was later stayed by the Crown. The other person who was in the car and in the back seat, was seriously assaulted during an unrelated matter and remains in hospital with significant head trauma, with no recovery prognosis.

At the time of her death, Billette was a mother of four and her children were all under the age of 11.

Within the small courtroom, sat over a dozen of Billette’s family members and supporters including her father Willie.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell