Cost in opposition to Fort McMurray man upgraded to first-degree homicide in dying of Sherri Lynn Flett

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The person accused of killing Sherri Lynn Flett, 43, in Jan. 2022 is now going through a first-degree homicide cost. Timothy Andrew McDougall was charged with second-degree homicide when he was arrested 10 days after Flett was reported lacking. He’s additionally charged with indignity to human stays.

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The upgraded cost means the Crown believes they’ve sufficient proof to show McDougall deliberately deliberate to homicide Flett. If convicted, McDougall could be given a life sentenced and could be ineligible for parole for 25 years.

Flett’s cousin, Lori Cyprien, mentioned she was proud of the upgraded cost however is discouraged the authorized system is taking so long as it has. McDougall has a bail listening to on June 7 and a jury trial is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2024.

“We’re nonetheless hoping that everyone might come out and help us and make some noise and we’ll know that Sherri’s not forgotten,” mentioned Cyprien. “Usually, we’re unhappy it’s going to take one other yr however we’re relieved that the justice system has discovered some extra proof.”

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Flett, a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, was dwelling in Fort McMurray when she was final seen downtown on Jan. 12, 2022. She was reported lacking on Jan. 16. Her physique was present in a Grayling Terrace dwelling on Jan. 24. McDougall was arrested two days later.

Wooden Buffalo RCMP initially charged McDougall with second-degree homicide, indignity to human stays, illegal confinement and extra firearms-related offences.

The firearms fees and illegal confinement fees have been withdrawn in March. The second-degree homicide cost was upgraded on Could 9 in Fort McMurray Court docket of King’s Bench.

Flett’s household organized searches for her on Jan. 22 and 23. Near 100 volunteers used the Athabasca Tribal Council’s workplace in Waterways as a base to go looking downtown, the boreal forest, ditches and alleys.

Her family and friends have continued rallying exterior the Fort McMurray Court docket Home each time McDougall has made an look. They plan to proceed this throughout the trial.

“Lacking and murdered Indigenous folks is a disaster and there’s an excessive amount of of it occurring,” mentioned Cyprien. “We’re relieved with this and we’re hoping justice shall be served.”

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