‘The family is still in pain:’ Walk marks two years since nine-year-old killed

Saturday marked two years since nine-year-old Baeleigh Maurice died on a Saskatoon street.

Baeleigh Maurice was hit by an impaired driver while on her way to school on Sept. 9, 2021.

In honour of Maurice, the second annual Justice for Baeleigh walk was held.

Maurice has a younger sister who just started school. Rochelle Dubois, the mother of the two girls, said she’s still scared to send her youngest daughter to school.

“She was supposed to start on Thursday and I chickened out, I was scared, I sent Baeleigh off to school and I never saw her again,” said Dubois.

Baeleigh’s mom Rochelle at her memorial (Will Mandzuk/650CKOM)

Around 50 people showed up to the walk, some coming from as far as Pasqua First Nation to show their support.

People carry justice for Baeleigh sign (Will Mandzuk/650CKOM)

Dubois said it really meant a lot to her that this many people showed up.

“I didn’t think anyone was going to show up to be honest,” said Dubois

Taylor Ashley Kennedy, 28, is charged with impaired driving while exceeding the prescribed concentration of THC causing death in connection to Baeleigh’s death.

Kennedy is set to appear in Provincial Court on October 10-12.

Dubois said she just wants the trial to be done and hopes the truth will be exposed.

Cathie Jones, a councillor on Pasqua First Nation, said she hopes justice for Baeleigh comes soon.

“We are looking for justice, this was a nine year old whose life was taken because of an intoxicated driver,” Jones said. “It’s been a long time waiting and we are happy to get a chance to speak in court.”

Jones said to her, this walk meant remembering the life of Baeleigh.

“She’s a nine year old little girl and I think if anybody else in the city had lost a nine year old from their family they’d be out here supporting as well,” Jones said.

People lay flowers at Baeleigh’s memorial (Will Mandzuk/650CKOM)

Dubois’ cousin, Chris Cyr, said the walk means a lot to him and his family.

“Baeleigh was such a beautiful little girl and I hope this helps spread awareness to people driving to be cautious because this was a little girl who lost her life,” said Cyr.

Cyr also noted the situation was preventable.

“Don’t drink or do drugs and drive because it’s not worth it, like this all could have been prevented, the family is still in pain after all these years,” he said.