US EditionSaskatchewan court upholds stay of proceedings against THC-impaired driver who killed child
The court said trial delays still exceeded the Charter limit, even after crediting 134 days for pandemic and defence-related time.
- On Friday, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal upheld a lower court's decision to stay impaired-driving charges against Taylor Kennedy, who was accused of killing 9-year-old Baeleigh Maurice in 2021.
- The case took 899 days, violating the Supreme Court-mandated 18-month limit for provincial trials, prompting Judge Jane Wootten to originally stay proceedings in December 2024.
- While the appeal court agreed prosecutors miscalculated COVID-19 delays, the judges ruled the total duration still 'significantly exceeded what is allowable under the Charter.'
- Sarah Smokeyday, longtime spokesperson for the victim's family, stated 'The justice system has failed Baeleigh and the family,' adding relatives 'won't find solace in court anymore.'
- Charges remain stayed unless new evidence emerges within a year, as family members now focus on healing and hope Maurice's legacy inspires pedestrian safety changes.
8 Articles
8 Articles
Appeal court upholds stay of THC-impaired driving charge in death of 9-year-old Sask. girl
Taylor Kennedy was charged with impaired driving causing death after Baeleigh Maurice, 9, died when Kennedy hit her with her truck on Sept. 9, 2021. The Crown appealed a judge's decision to stay the charge over trial delays.
The Toronto Star
WellandTribune.caSaskatchewan court dismisses Crown appeal in case of girl killed in crosswalk
SASKATOON - Saskatchewan's highest court has dismissed a Crown appeal and upheld the stay of a driver charged in the death of a nine-year old girl.
Appeal dismissed in impaired driving case involving THC, death of 9-year-old
By Ashley Beherns Global News Posted April 10, 2026 7:46 pm 1 min read Descrease article font size Increase article font size The appeal against a woman behind the wheel when nine-year-old Baeleigh Maurice died in 2021 is being dismissed. The 21-page decision issued Friday by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal details a series of delays in the criminal prosecution of Taylor Kennedy, who was charged in 2022 w…
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