BATTLEFORD – Danita Thomas was found guilty Friday of manslaughter in the death of 25-year-old Tiki Laverdiere of Edmonton. She was originally charged with first-degree murder.
Judge Richard W. Elson of Saskatoon also found Thomas guilty of improperly interfering with human remains and theft of a vehicle. Judge Elson issued a stay of proceedings on the charge of hostage taking. He reserved sentencing until June 24.
Thomas’ trial started Jan. 24 and finished Feb. 14. North Battleford Senior Crown Chris Browne and Prosecutor Charlotte Morden are trying the cases for all 10 charged in connection with Laverdiere’s death. Defence Erin Little of Saskatoon represented Thomas.
Five people have been sentenced so far. There is a ban on publication of all preliminary hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings until the trials of all the co-accused are concluded. The charges against the remaining co-accused haven’t been proven in court.
Laverdiere was reported missing to Battlefords RCMP on May 12, 2019. On June 10, 2019, RCMP announced that Laverdiere’s disappearance was the result of foul play and they would be investigating her disappearance as a homicide. On July 11, 2019, a police dog found Laverdiere's remains in a rural area outside of North Battleford while RCMP were conducting a ground search.
Laverdiere was in Saskatchewan April 2019 for the funeral of 20-year-old Tristen Cook-Buckle on Thunderchild First Nation.
