YORKTON – The Quewezance sisters will have to wait for at least a month before finding out their release status. That information came early on the first day of their long-awaited bail hearing on Jan. 17 in Yorkton.
Early in proceedings, Justice Donald Layh advised that a decision in this matter would “not be as forthcoming as people might expect,” that he would reserve his decision for at least four weeks.
“At first I was like, what’s another month,” Odelia Quewezance said later on the courthouse steps. “But me and my sister shouldn't be in another day.”
During the first day of the bail hearing, court heard testimony from eight witnesses. While the Crown position is totally opposed to the Quewezance sisters’ release, the defence lawyers argue for them to be let out of custody with conditions while a ministerial review to determine a mistrial continues. That report could take two years, according to Nicole Porter, Professor and Lead Criminal Consultant with N.A. Porter & Associates.
“I’ve reviewed every file that existed, there was no physical evidence, and we’ve had a confession at the time,” she said. “It’s been 30 years. It’s about time they’re going home.”
If Odelia and Nerissa are given conditional release, each would need to have a plan in place ensuring their whereabouts are known, court-imposed conditions (such as a curfew) are adhered to and access to community supports are available.
Nerissa Quewezance is planning to reside with Kim Beaudin and his wife upon release. Beaudin is the Vice Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and has provided a mental health approved home for people in the past. Such an arrangement would allow Nerissa to abide by whatever conditions the court would impose, but also to help her integrate back into society. Nerissa told the court she would ultimately like to continue pursuing education, building on degrees and certificates she has already obtained.
Odelia — who is currently on day parole — would like to return to her partner and children. Since November 2022, she’s been at a facility in Regina, but her partner, Jay Koch, said, “I’ve seen it definitely have an impact on her,” said Odelia’s “She never wants to be there. It’s awful there.”
Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance were convicted in 1994 for the murder of Anthony Joseph Dolff near Kamsack. Both sisters maintain their innocence, and a cousin even claimed responsibility and served time for the murder.
The second day of the bail hearing continues Jan. 18.
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