NORTH BATTLEFORD - A possible release on electronic monitoring is being sought for one of the two people accused of arson in the apartment fire on the 1400 block of 102nd Street Jan. 3.
The matters for Naomi Jean Yellowtail, whose charges include arson with disregard for human life, came up in North Battleford Provincial Court before Judge Dan O'Hanlon.
In that appearance Legal Aid lawyer Andrew Lyster, appearing by phone representing Yellowtail, requested preparation of a bail verification and supervision report, as well as to canvass for electronic monitoring.
That bail verification report has been ordered by Judge O'Hanlon. Yellowtail's matters are due to return to provincial court Jan. 20 at 11:30 a.m. by closed circuit video.
A bail verification report is typically ordered prior to a bail hearing to assess whether the accused is a good candidate to be released before trial. Whether the accused will be released is still to be determined by the judge. Also, when such a report is ordered it should not be taken as an indication that a suspect will be released, as bail verification reports can often come back with a negative assessment.
Yellowtail is charged along with Keeanu Crookedneck in connection to the Jan. 3 fire that destroyed the 102nd Street apartment complex and sent 17 residents and six first responders to hospital. Yellowtail's charges include arson with disregard for human life and breach of undertaking. Both are in custody.
Crookedneck, whose counts include a charge of arson with disregard for human life, is scheduled back in provincial court Jan. 17.
