Michael Joel-Hansen
@mjhskcdn.bsky.social
Reporter with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.
A Kings Bench judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by family members of people killed in the Humboldt Broncos bus collision in 2018.
Judge tosses Humboldt Broncos bus crash lawsuit
The lawsuit was brought by four parents of players who were killed along with the parents of an assistant coach .
thestarphoenix.com
December 24, 2025 at 5:41 PM
A Kings Bench judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by family members of people killed in the Humboldt Broncos bus collision in 2018.
A Kings Bench judge will hear sentencing submissions for Roderick William Sutherland on April 13.
Sutherland was convicted of manslaughter, unlawful confinement and committing an indignity to human remains in the death of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
Sutherland was convicted of manslaughter, unlawful confinement and committing an indignity to human remains in the death of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
Sentencing date set for man convicted in killing of Megan Gallagher
On Friday, a Saskatoon judge heard submissions from lawyers about what facts to consider before sentencing Sutherland for manslaughter.
thestarphoenix.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:45 AM
A Kings Bench judge will hear sentencing submissions for Roderick William Sutherland on April 13.
Sutherland was convicted of manslaughter, unlawful confinement and committing an indignity to human remains in the death of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
Sutherland was convicted of manslaughter, unlawful confinement and committing an indignity to human remains in the death of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
Duff Friesen will be serving a six month sentence in the community.
The former principal of Christian Centre Academy was convicted of assault with a weapon after a trial this past summer.
The former principal of Christian Centre Academy was convicted of assault with a weapon after a trial this past summer.
Former Christian school principal gets six-month conditional sentence
Duff Arthur Friesen was convicted last May of one count of assault with a weapon in 2003-2004.
thestarphoenix.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Duff Friesen will be serving a six month sentence in the community.
The former principal of Christian Centre Academy was convicted of assault with a weapon after a trial this past summer.
The former principal of Christian Centre Academy was convicted of assault with a weapon after a trial this past summer.
The youth pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder along with one count of unlawfully causing bodily harm Monday afternoon at King’s Bench Court in Saskatoon.
Court will reconvene February 26 for sentencing.
Court will reconvene February 26 for sentencing.
'She's going to die today': Girl pleads guilty in Evan Hardy high school fire attack in Saskatoon
The girl was 14 years old when she lit a 15-year-old girl on fire on Sept. 5, 2024. She pleaded guilty to attempted murder.
thestarphoenix.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:10 PM
The youth pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder along with one count of unlawfully causing bodily harm Monday afternoon at King’s Bench Court in Saskatoon.
Court will reconvene February 26 for sentencing.
Court will reconvene February 26 for sentencing.
A lawyer representing two terminated Saskatoon police officers is asking a Court of King’s Bench justice to order that appeals of their dismissals be heard.
This comes after the officers missed the deadline for filing appeals do to an “error by counsel.”
This comes after the officers missed the deadline for filing appeals do to an “error by counsel.”
Lawyer for fired Saskatoon police officers asks court to order appeal hearing
Dylan Kemp and Jason Garland were fired on Sept. 3. Their lawyer failed to serve the Saskatchewan Police Commission with an appeal notice.
thestarphoenix.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:00 AM
A lawyer representing two terminated Saskatoon police officers is asking a Court of King’s Bench justice to order that appeals of their dismissals be heard.
This comes after the officers missed the deadline for filing appeals do to an “error by counsel.”
This comes after the officers missed the deadline for filing appeals do to an “error by counsel.”
The former Christian school administrator was sentenced Thursday in Saskatoon Provincial Court after pleading guilty to five counts of assault with a weapon.
John Olubobokun given second conditional sentence after assault pleas
The former private Christian school director received a five month conditional sentence after pleading guilty to five assault counts.
thestarphoenix.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The former Christian school administrator was sentenced Thursday in Saskatoon Provincial Court after pleading guilty to five counts of assault with a weapon.
A former administrator of a controversial private Saskatoon Christian school pleaded guilty Tuesday to five assault charges.
John Olubobokun pleads guilty to historical assault charges, vacating Saskatoon trial
The former director of Christian Centre Academy pleaded guilty to five counts of assault with a weapon dating back to 2003.
thestarphoenix.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:37 PM
A former administrator of a controversial private Saskatoon Christian school pleaded guilty Tuesday to five assault charges.
Some of the alleged victims of Saskatoon building contractor are accused of fraud are speaking out.
Victim feels 'validated' after arrest of alleged Saskatoon fraudster
Some of the victims of alleged timber fraudster Jason Pacik are speaking out after he was arrested and charged on Nov. 26.
thestarphoenix.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Some of the alleged victims of Saskatoon building contractor are accused of fraud are speaking out.
Closing arguments got underway Friday at King’s Bench Court in Saskatoon at the second-degree murder trial of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt.
Rosenfeldt is charged in the shooting death of Nykera Justice Brown in November, 2022.
Rosenfeldt is charged in the shooting death of Nykera Justice Brown in November, 2022.
Accused killer guilty of being 'stupid', but not murder: defence
A Saskatoon judge heard closing arguments on Friday at Andrew Rosenfeldt's second-degree murder trial. He's accused of killing Nykera Brown.
thestarphoenix.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Closing arguments got underway Friday at King’s Bench Court in Saskatoon at the second-degree murder trial of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt.
Rosenfeldt is charged in the shooting death of Nykera Justice Brown in November, 2022.
Rosenfeldt is charged in the shooting death of Nykera Justice Brown in November, 2022.
Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt’s defence lawyer called two police officers to the stand Thursday.
Lawyers will return to court November 14 for final arguments.
Lawyers will return to court November 14 for final arguments.
Defence witnesses testify about victim's mental health at Rosenfeldt murder trial
Throughout Andrew Rosenfeldt's second-degree murder trial, the defence has floated the theory that his girlfriend's death was a suicide.
thestarphoenix.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt’s defence lawyer called two police officers to the stand Thursday.
Lawyers will return to court November 14 for final arguments.
Lawyers will return to court November 14 for final arguments.
The aunt of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt took the stand at her nephew’s second-degree murder trial Tuesday.
Robbin Vermette was in the apartment when Nykera Justice Brown was shot and killed in November 2022.
Robbin Vermette was in the apartment when Nykera Justice Brown was shot and killed in November 2022.
Aunt of accused takes stand at Saskatoon second-degree murder trial
The aunt of accused killer Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt testified she heard a loud "bang" the night Nykera Justice Brown was shot and killed.
thestarphoenix.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:32 AM
The aunt of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt took the stand at her nephew’s second-degree murder trial Tuesday.
Robbin Vermette was in the apartment when Nykera Justice Brown was shot and killed in November 2022.
Robbin Vermette was in the apartment when Nykera Justice Brown was shot and killed in November 2022.
A witness who was present the night Nykera Brown was shot and killed provided more information about what happened the night of the shooting.
The witness testified at the second-degree murder trial of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt.
The witness testified at the second-degree murder trial of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt.
Witness tells murder trial victim was coming with him to retrieve stolen shoes
"Someone took my shoes and we were going to get them back," the man said when asked if they were going out to do a "lick" on Nov. 15, 2022.
thestarphoenix.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:54 PM
A witness who was present the night Nykera Brown was shot and killed provided more information about what happened the night of the shooting.
The witness testified at the second-degree murder trial of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt.
The witness testified at the second-degree murder trial of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt.
Two men were found guilty by a King’s Bench Justice of manslaughter in the death of James “Ed” Swift in August 2022.
Pair convicted of manslaughter in stabbing death of Saskatoon man James 'Ed' Swift
A Saskatoon judge found Colton Lischka and Ashtin Ritzand caused Swift's death in 2022, but he couldn't say which one fatally stabbed him.
thestarphoenix.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Two men were found guilty by a King’s Bench Justice of manslaughter in the death of James “Ed” Swift in August 2022.
The second-degree-murder trial of Andrew Rosenfeldt saw some emotional testimony Friday.
Witness breaks down at Saskatoon murder trial recounting Nykera Brown's shooting
A woman who was with Brown the night she was shot and killed admitted they were preparing to do a gang mission that night.
thestarphoenix.com
October 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The second-degree-murder trial of Andrew Rosenfeldt saw some emotional testimony Friday.
The forensic pathologist who performed an autopsy on Nykera Brown in November 2022 provided testimony at the second degree murder trial of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt Thursday morning.
Sask. pathologist testifies about cause of death at Rosenfeldt murder trial
Dr. Shaun Ladham said "it's certainly possible" that Nykera Brown shot herself, based on gun's size and proximity at the time it was fired.
thestarphoenix.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:36 PM
The forensic pathologist who performed an autopsy on Nykera Brown in November 2022 provided testimony at the second degree murder trial of Andrew Steven Rosenfeldt Thursday morning.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and NDP leader Carla Beck took questions from media ahead of the start of the fall legislative session.
Addictions, healthcare, affordability: Premier and opposition leader both talk fall session
Scott Moe speaks about government priorities for the coming fall session, and Carla Beck talks about what the opposition wants to see.
thestarphoenix.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and NDP leader Carla Beck took questions from media ahead of the start of the fall legislative session.
A Saskatoon jury has convicted Roderick Sutherland on three charges for the killing of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
Jury convicts Roderick Sutherland of all charges in Megan Gallagher death
On Friday, Sutherland was found guilty of manslaughter, confinement and offering an indignity to human remains in the 2020 homicide.
thestarphoenix.com
October 18, 2025 at 1:07 AM
A Saskatoon jury has convicted Roderick Sutherland on three charges for the killing of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
The jury at the trial of Roderick Sutherland is now deliberating.
Jurors were given their charge from the judge Thursday afternoon.
Sutherland is the final person facing charges in relation to the killing of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
Jurors were given their charge from the judge Thursday afternoon.
Sutherland is the final person facing charges in relation to the killing of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
Jury deliberations underway for final man accused in Gallagher killing
Justice John Morrall provided his charge to the jury on Thursday at the manslaughter trial for Roderick Sutherland.
thestarphoenix.com
October 17, 2025 at 1:05 AM
The jury at the trial of Roderick Sutherland is now deliberating.
Jurors were given their charge from the judge Thursday afternoon.
Sutherland is the final person facing charges in relation to the killing of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
Jurors were given their charge from the judge Thursday afternoon.
Sutherland is the final person facing charges in relation to the killing of Megan Gallagher in September 2020.
The final person charged in the death of Megan Michelle Gallagher in September 2020 could soon learn his fate.
The jury at the manslaughter trial of Roderick Sutherland is done hearing evidence and is set to begin deliberations Thursday.
The jury at the manslaughter trial of Roderick Sutherland is done hearing evidence and is set to begin deliberations Thursday.
Crown closes case at Roderick Sutherland manslaughter trial
The defence didn't call evidence at the Saskatoon Court of King's Bench trial. Sutherland is accused in the 2020 death of Megan Gallagher.
thestarphoenix.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:55 AM
The final person charged in the death of Megan Michelle Gallagher in September 2020 could soon learn his fate.
The jury at the manslaughter trial of Roderick Sutherland is done hearing evidence and is set to begin deliberations Thursday.
The jury at the manslaughter trial of Roderick Sutherland is done hearing evidence and is set to begin deliberations Thursday.
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses is criticizing the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s explanation for overcrowding at Royal University Hospital’s emergency department.
'In no way is this seasonal': Nurse's union disputes SHA explanation for overcrowding at Royal University Hospital
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses says patients being treated in hallways at a Saskatoon hospital is not due to an influx of flu patients.
thestarphoenix.com
October 6, 2025 at 11:25 PM
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses is criticizing the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s explanation for overcrowding at Royal University Hospital’s emergency department.
A Saskatoon man with numerous previous convictions for voyeurism was sentenced Thursday in King’s Bench Court after pleading guilty to more offences.
Serial voyeur Kyle Hameluck sentenced after pleading guilty to 25 charges
Kyle Ronald Hameluck has been given a sentence of just over three years by a judge at King's Bench Court in Saskatoon.
thestarphoenix.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:32 PM
A Saskatoon man with numerous previous convictions for voyeurism was sentenced Thursday in King’s Bench Court after pleading guilty to more offences.
Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand is calling for the current leadership of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to be more transparent with First Nations following the release of an audit raising questions about millions in spending by the organization.
'We can't let this be swept under the rug': Sask. First Nations leaders call for transparency after FSIN audit
Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand said he's worried about the current state of the FSIN.
thestarphoenix.com
September 27, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand is calling for the current leadership of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to be more transparent with First Nations following the release of an audit raising questions about millions in spending by the organization.
Wild rice harvesters in northern Saskatchewan have been dealing with the spread of a worms that have been impacting their yields.
'It's been devastating': Worm infestation wreaks havoc on northern Sask. wild rice crops
Around four million pounds of rice is processed most years from northern lakes. Last year saw a decrease of 3.25 million pounds.
thestarphoenix.com
September 20, 2025 at 2:36 AM
Wild rice harvesters in northern Saskatchewan have been dealing with the spread of a worms that have been impacting their yields.
Prairie Harm Reduction staff have been dealing with more overdoses recently.
Staff with the organization say some of these overdoses have proved challenging as naloxone is not always an effective treatment.
Staff with the organization say some of these overdoses have proved challenging as naloxone is not always an effective treatment.
Harm reduction group says new drug mixtures contributing to overdose crisis
Prairie Harm's executive director said staff have been dealing with up to six overdoses at one time.
thestarphoenix.com
September 9, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Prairie Harm Reduction staff have been dealing with more overdoses recently.
Staff with the organization say some of these overdoses have proved challenging as naloxone is not always an effective treatment.
Staff with the organization say some of these overdoses have proved challenging as naloxone is not always an effective treatment.
Labour councils across Saskatchewan are preparing to mark Labour Day with their annual barbecues.
This year’s holiday is being marked on the heels of recent labour turmoil in Canada.
This year’s holiday is being marked on the heels of recent labour turmoil in Canada.
Recent labour turmoil front of mind as groups celebrate Labour Day in Sask.
Labour Day has a lengthy history in Canada dating back to 1872.
thestarphoenix.com
August 30, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Labour councils across Saskatchewan are preparing to mark Labour Day with their annual barbecues.
This year’s holiday is being marked on the heels of recent labour turmoil in Canada.
This year’s holiday is being marked on the heels of recent labour turmoil in Canada.