ESTEVAN, Sask. — Another full week of testimony has wrapped up in the Taylor Morgan Japp murder trial in Estevan Court of King's Bench.
Japp is charged with second-degree murder in the April 2024 shooting death of Briana Hayes at the White Bear First Nations. The trial started with jury selection and the prosecution's opening statement Sept. 2.
The prosecution continued to present its case daily from Sept. 14-18. The final witness on the stand was Maddie Keldson, who provided testimony on ballistics.
The trial is expected to resume Sept. 21 at the Estevan Court House with additional prosecution witnesses. The trial is slated to continue until Oct. 9.
Background: On April 24, 2024, the Carlyle RCMP received a report of a possible homicide. The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit took control of the investigation. Hayes' body was found the following day in a rural location in the RM of Moose Mountain.
The second-degree murder charge against Japp was announced on April 26. He was eventually released from custody with conditions.
He has made numerous appearances in Provincial Court and the Court of King’s Bench. A preliminary hearing was held in June 2025 in Carlyle to determine whether there was enough evidence to send Japp’s case to trial.
A co-accused was charged with accessory to murder after the fact. His charge was stayed after his death in the summer of 2025.
SaskToday will continue to monitor this story.
