Wapass Acquitted Of Murder On Thunderchild Reserve

Wapass Acquitted Of Murder On Thunderchild Reserve

Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 13:02

 

 

A 20-year-old Thunderchild First Nation man has been found not guilty of second-degree murder.

 

Brett Austin Wapass was accused of helping to beat 19-year-old Tristan Paddy to death on April 2nd, 2008.

 

But the judge hearing the matter ruled today in Battleford Court of Queen’s Bench that the Crown had failed to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt — and that evidence from witnesses at the trial was contradictory on several points.

 

Paddy was beaten to death during a house party on the Thunderchild reserve after being accused of stealing a bottle of liquor.

 

20-year-old Elcee Jimmy is serving a six-year jail sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter in June 2008.

 

During Wapass’ trial, court heard testimony that Wapass offered to take the blame for the killing.

 

The Crown argued that Wapass prevented a witness from intervening in the beating.

 

There is a chance the Crown might appeal today’s verdict.

 

Crown prosecutor Suzanne Reid says she will consult with her colleagues.

 

Despite his acquittal today, Wapass remains in custody because of other court matters he faces in Saskatoon.