Year in Review: The Gerald Stanley trial
As 2018 draws to a close, paNOW is taking a look back on the most important and impactful stories of the year, as selected by our reporters and editorial staff.
The acquittal of Saskatchewan farmer Gerald Stanley in February, sparked months of emotional protests across the country, and prompted discussion on amendments to the province’s trespassing laws.
Stanley was charged with second degree murder in the death of Colten Boushie in 2016. Boushie was one of five young people who drove onto Stanley’s farm near Biggar. His friends testified they were looking for help with a flat tire. Stanley testified he thought they were trying to steal an all-terrain vehicle. He said he fired warning shots to scare them away and a hang fire shot Boushie when he went to pull the keys from their SUV.
Debbie Baptiste, Boushie’s mother, was seen wailing and sobbing uncontrollably outside Court of Queen’s Bench in Battleford after the trial. Boushie’s cousin Jade Tootoosis spoke on behalf of the family to the media.