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A high-profile attempted murder case that saw a teen girl allegedly set another student on fire at a Saskatoon school could be headed for trial.
The 14-year-old girl, who is accused of pouring a liquid on a 15-year-old girl and setting her on fire at Evan Hardy Collegiate in September, made an appearance via video call in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Friday. The teen has not yet entered a plea in the case, but dates for a preliminary inquiry have now been set.
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On September 26, the defense asked for a not criminally responsible report. That means a psychiatric evaluation will be completed to determine if the girl was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the alleged incident.
The teen cannot be named publicly under the provisions of Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Crown prosecutor Ainsley Furlonger told the court she intends to seek an adult sentence on the four charges the 14-year-old is facing: assault causing bodily harm, arson, aggravated assault and attempted murder.
The girl appeared confused as the judge asked for her trial preference, and defense lawyer Fola Adelugba asked for a brief adjournment to further explain her options.
The judge then asked the question again, explaining that she had a choice of a trial in youth court, a trial by judge alone at the Court of King’s Bench, or a judge-and-jury trial at the Court of King’s Bench.
The 14-year-old opted for a judge-alone trial in Court of King’s Bench. A preliminary inquiry, to be held in advance of the trial, was set for July 14-17.
The teen is also facing two charges of assault and uttering threats in connection with an incident at the Saskatoon youth detention facility where she is being held. She is expected to appear in court on those charges on May 16.
