SASAKTOON – Sentencing has been delayed for a woman charged with manslaughter in 22-year-old Trinity Squirrel’s death.
The sentencing hearing for Shanelle Crowe, 21, didn’t proceed in Saskatoon Provincial Court May 2 as scheduled because she changed lawyers. Crowe’s new lawyer Kim Armstrong asked the court for an adjournment saying she just got the file from Crowe’s previous lawyer Lisa Watson.
Judge Miguel Martinez adjourned the hearing to June 15. The Crown told the court a publication ban is sought on the evidence presented.
Crowe showed up late for the proceedings Tuesday. Armstrong told the court that she did notify her client of the time and location and had confirmed she would be appear in person.
Crowe was arrested in June 2022 and charged with second-degree murder. She pleaded guilty in February to the lesser charge of manslaughter and is out on bail.
Two others are charged in Squirrel’s murder. Bret Ian Rattlesnake, 27, and Cynthia Cheryl Chelsey Swiftwolf, 33, are both charged with second-degree murder. Their matters have gone to Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench and a trial date will be set.
Squirrel was found injured on Hodgson Road near Highway 7 about five kilometres southwest of Saskatoon at about 1:15 p.m. on April 15, 2022. He was pronounced deceased shortly after emergency responders arrived.
Swiftwolf and Rattlesnake were arrested on April 16 at a home on Wardlow Road. Police say they don’t believe the incident was random. Their investigation determined that Squirrel had been at a home in the 600 block of Wardlow Road in Saskatoon. RCMP Major Crimes and Saskatoon Police Major Crimes investigated.
An obituary for Squirrel on Conley Funeral Home said that Trin was an active member of the Fishing Lake community and a volunteer firefighter for the First Nation’s fire department.
“Trin spent many hours practicing, preparing and just enjoying his time with his team,” said his obituary.
“He was also a member of the First Nations security team during the Covid pandemic. He stayed on security throughout the ordeal and was considered a reliable and dependable source to Fishing Lake security crew.”
The obituary also said that Trin was family oriented and an aspiring artist.
“He chased his dreams of the music industry and was following through. He had so many aspirations of what he wanted to be in his life and the determined young man he was, they were set in motion.
“He had a heart of gold, a kind smile and the utmost respect for people. His positive energy was contagious.”
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