A court hearing was held on Monday for the family of an Indigenous woman who was murdered in 2019. The hearing was held to determine whether the family would be allowed to participate in the upcoming trial of the accused killer.
The victim, 22-year-old Mary Smith, was found dead in her home on the Piikani Nation reserve in southern Alberta. Her family has been seeking justice for her death and has been vocal about the lack of support and resources for Indigenous communities.
During the hearing, the family’s lawyer argued that they should be granted standing in the trial as they have a direct interest in the case. The lawyer also pointed out that the family has been deeply affected by the loss of their loved one and should have the right to be involved in the legal proceedings.
The accused, John Doe, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Smith’s death. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody awaiting trial.
The Crown prosecutor argued against the family’s request for standing, stating that it could potentially interfere with the trial and cause delays. However, the judge ultimately ruled in favor of the family, stating that their involvement in the trial would not cause any significant delays.
The decision was met with relief and gratitude from the family, who have been fighting for justice for their daughter and sister. They hope that their participation in the trial will bring attention to the issue of violence against Indigenous women and the need for better support and resources for their communities.
The trial is set to begin in the fall, and the family will now have the opportunity to be present and have a voice in the legal proceedings. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of violence against Indigenous women and the need for systemic change to address it.
