ESTEVAN, Sask. — Taylor Morgan Japp took to the stand in his own defence Sept. 28 during his ongoing murder trial in Estevan Court of King's Bench.
Japp is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Briana Hayes in April 2024 at the White Bear First Nations. Both were residents of Oxbow at the time.
Fielding questions from defence attorney Thomas Hynes, Japp shared his recollections of the night that Hayes was fatally shot and the events that occurred the following day.
Japp's comments often contrasted evidence from prosecution witnesses earlier in the trial. Hynes noted on multiple occasion that a witness had made a statement.
When given a chance by Crown prosecutor David Belanger to cross-examine Japp, Belanger opted to wait until the following morning. The trial will resume Sept. 29 at 10 a.m.
More to come.
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.
A co-accused was charged with accessory to murder after the fact. His charge was stayed after his death in the summer of 2025. The defence began its case Sept. 24 by playing a video from the man's interview with police after he was arrested. Earlier in the trial, his testimony from Japp's preliminary hearing was played.
SaskToday will continue to monitor this story.
