A 27-year-old Saskatchewan woman pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of young mother who was found dead on a highway near La Ronge in 2019.

Telsa MacKenzie was sentenced to almost five years for her role in the death of Sheena Bilette. Mackenzie was originally charged with first degree murder, kidnapping and unlawful confinement in relation to Billette’s death. However, on Thursday she entered a guilty plea to a charge of manslaughter.

With credit for time already served on remand, MacKenzie has about three months left to serve in custody.

Evidence heard at Prince Albert’s Court of King’s is under a publication ban as three co-accused await their trial. The three other co-accused, 27-year-old Charlie Napthalie Charles, 32-year-old Deborah Maggie McKenzie and 26-year-old Sharise Sutherland-Kayseas are facing charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and unlawful confinement.

Bilette’s family said the sentence is not long enough because the death of their loved one is leaving them with a life sentence.