Murder charge stayed against Blood Tribe man

Alberta Justice also released the following statement in regard to the decision:

“Two individuals were originally charged with the murder of Rance Bear Hat on the basis of initial evidence obtained by investigators. As a result of the investigators fulfilling their obligation to continue investigation in this matter, and the Alberta Crown Prosecutions Service’s duty to review the evidence provided by that ongoing investigation, it has been determined that there is no longer any reasonable likelihood of conviction of Justin Big Sorrel Horse for any offence in relation to the death of Rance Bear Hat. As such, the Crown has directed a Stay of Proceedings in this matter.

The prosecution of Stanley Troy Big Sorrel Horse for the second degree murder of Rance Bear Hat will continue, and a preliminary inquiry on that charge has been set.”

The charges stem from an incident on the Blood Reserve in February, in which Blood Tribe Police responded to a report of a man in distress. Bearhat was transported to the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge where he was pronounced dead.

As the death was determined to be a homicide, the RCMP Major Crimes Unit South took over the investigation, and with help from the RCMP Interview Assistance Team, charges were laid against Stanley and Justin.

The Crown has one year to lift the stay, after which it would become permanent.

by Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Murder charge stayed against Blood Tribe man

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