Editor’s note: The following story may be distressing for some readers.
A Ponoka man is appealing his murder conviction after being sentenced to life in prison for the killing of Joshua Blain Dennehy in Maskwacis on July 28, 2020.
Dylon Samuel Saddleback was found guilty on Dec. 6, 2022, of first/second degree murder and sentenced on May 3, 2023, at Wetaskiwin Court of King’s Bench to life and a 10-year firearms prohibition, or until the expiration of his sentence.
While Saddleback’s application for interim release (bail) was denied on June 15, 2023, his appeal of his sentence will go forward.
In his written decision, Justice Frans Slatter stated while the grounds for appeal aren’t frivolous, they are not compelling, and the “Crown was able to present a substantial body of evidence in support of the conviction.”
Saddleback’s appeal hearing is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2024, at the Edmonton Court of Appeal.
The following are brief court updates on local homicide cases within Ponoka County, Maskwacis, and the County of Wetaskiwin.
Demetroff, Saddleback
Court proceedings are moving head against two offenders convicted in the homicide of an elderly Wetaskiwin man.
Kardon Ryan Demetroff and Celeste Morningstar Saddleback were found guilty on Nov. 25, 2022. Demetroff was convicted of first/second-degree murder and Saddleback of the lesser and included offence of manslaughter using a firearm.
A pre-arraignment hearing has been set for Demetroff for Aug. 14, 2023, at the Red Deer Court of King’s Bench, and Saddleback’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15, 2023, in Red Deer as well.
READ MORE: Pair convicted in killing of elderly Wetaskiwin man
The pair were originally charged with kidnapping and robbery with a firearm, but those charges were withdrawn and the murder charges were proceeded with.
The victim, Larry Parker, 74, was abducted and later found was found unresponsive on Highway 2A on Herman-Minde Road on April 12, 2020. He was declared dead at the scene.
Twins
Amie Lindsay Twins, 31, charged with second degree murder, is scheduled to enter an election and plea at the Wetaskiwin Court of Justice on Aug. 15.
She is accused in the alleged stabbing death of Maskwacis resident Daniel Adrian Johnson, 34, at a residence in Louis Bull First Nation on July 20, 2023.
Cook, Maslin
The preliminary hearing for two Wetaskiwin men charged with the second degree murder of Ponoka resident Antwon Bull is scheduled for Aug. 16 to 18, 2023, at the Wetaskiwin Court of Justice.
Adam James Cook and Morgan Maslin stand accused in the death of Bull.
Bull, 19, sustained life-threatening injuries during an altercation in Wetaskiwin on July 8, 2022. He died in hospital later that evening.
Lightning
Kieran Keith Lightning was charged with the second degree murder of Jordie Buffalo-Crier.
The body of Buffalo-Crier was found in a ditch in Samson Cree Nation on Sept. 9, 2022. Circumstances of how Buffalo-Crier died have not been released although the autopsy determined it was a homicide.
Lightning is scheduled for a a pre-preliminary hearing on Aug. 22 in the Wetaskiwin Court of Justice, and later the same day, has a pre-arraignment at the Court of King’s Bench.
The preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to go to trial has been set for March 25 to 28, 2024, at the Wetaskiwin Court of Justice.
Ruf-Dietz
Brianna Ruf-Dietz, a Red Deer resident, was charged with the murder of Tyler Johnson of Grande Prairie, Alta. His remains were found in a burned down house near Ermineskin Cree Nation in March 2021.
A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Sept. 7, 2023 at Wetaskiwin Court of King’s Bench.
READ MORE: Murder victim’s remains found near Maskwacis identified
Kemp
The accused in slaying of a Wetaskiwin man has been ordered to stand trial.
Dale Arthur Kemp of no fixed address was charged with the first degree murder of Colter Jared Buffalo. Kemp was 31 at the time of the alleged offence.
At 2:25 a.m. on March 8, 2022, Wetaskiwin RCMP received a complaint of a stabbing behind the Old Garage Bar.
Buffalo, 29, had serious injuries. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for Sept. 12, 2023, at the Wetaskiwin Court of King’s Bench.
The jury trial will be on April 15, 2024.
Joseph, Howse
Cashtin Lee Joseph and Stanley Victor Howse stand accused of the first degree murder of Brian Michael Dupe of Wetaskiwin.
Their preliminary court date to determine if there is enough evidence to go to trial has been set for Nov. 9, 2023, at Wetaskiwin Court of Justice.
Marhall
Rimbey resident Shane Allen Marshall, 37, charged with second degree murder, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the Breton Court of Justice on Nov. 15, 2023.
Rain
Shayden Trey Rain, charged with the second-degree murder of Jeremy Soosay, is scheduled for a pre-trial conference at the Wetaskiwin Court of King’s Bench on Nov. 27, 2023.
A pre-trial conference is where the defence and prosecution discuss with a judge about what is needed to be ready for trial.
Soosay was shot and killed in Samson Cree Nation on Sept. 1. 2022. Rain was 21 at the time he was charged.
Cattlemans
Cole Gerald Cattleman, 25, and Chaz Joseph Cattleman, 22, both of Maskwacis, were charged with the second degree murder of Skylar Currie, 20, of Maskwacis, as well as aggravated assault.
Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 4 to 6, 2023 at the Wetaskiwin Court of Justice.
Resources are available for anyone needing mental health support.
The Mental Health Help Line (1-877-303-2642) is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.
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