BATTLEFORD – Amid tears, many family members of the victim filled the courtroom at the Court of King's Bench in Battleford on April 9 for the sentencing hearing of Nathan Billette.
Billette, 44, who was facing charges in the death of 55-year-old Nathan George Bekkattla, was originally charged with second-degree murder, but he instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter on March 30. The charge of second-degree murder was stayed by the Crown on April 9.
Justice Brenda Hildebrandt accepted a joint recommendation from the Crown and Defence in the case and sentenced Billette to five years in prison. Less enhanced credit for time served, he has 415 days left to serve in a federal prison.
Following court, Melissa Desjarlais, the stepdaughter of Bekkattla, said some members of the family never really fully processed everything that happened to Bekkattla.
"It is very confusing because that's my step-dad. I've known him all my life," she said. "I've also known the offender all my life. It puts you in a position of confusion and anger, and all different types of feelings go through your mind. But one thing I know for sure is that there is a lot of sadness and grief."
"The sentencing I feel was a little lenient, which normally always happen in these cases, from what I'm seeing," she added. "You know, the justice system in Saskatchewan really needs to be looked at."
In the Agreed Statement of Facts, the court heard that Billette fatally stabbed Bekkattla during a dispute.
According to the police report, Billette was charged after Dillon RCMP received a report of an injured person at a home on Buffalo River Dene Nation at about 6:40 a.m. on Sept. 13, 2023. Police say an altercation occurred between two men. EMS declared Bekkattla dead at the scene.
When the victim impact statements were read, the family of Bekkattla expressed their sadness and anger over what had happened to Bekkattla.
"My heart is broken…," his daughter Alexandra Desjarlais said. "My kids will never get to see their grandpa again. He was my whole heart. I was his first daughter. I truly loved my dad. My dad, Georgie, is never coming home."
Melissa Desjarlais, the stepdaughter of Bekkattla, said in her victim impact statement that was read in court that there are no words that can describe the pain of losing a parent.
"His absence has left an impact that can't be ignored," she said.
Greg Chovin, representing the Crown, said "the family is devastated by the loss of their loved one."
Christopher Koban, for the defence, said Gladue factors are an issue for Billette.
He said his client is also dealing with alcohol addiction issues. Billette wants to take programming while in custody to help him with his addiction.
When he had an opportunity to address the court, Billette initially declined. He later asked his lawyer to express his remorse to the family of Bekkattla on his behalf.
In giving her sentence, Justice Hildebrandt said Bekkattla would have been defenceless in the attack because he was hardly able ot use his hands due to a disability.
"This loss [of Bekkattla] has been a very difficult time [for the family]," she said.
Hildebrandt noted that Billette has a lengthy criminal record, as an aggravating factor in the case.
She said the five-year sentence is appropriate, and is on the lower end of the range of manslaughter. Hildebrandt also noted there were litigation risks in the case.
Billette was sentenced to five-years in prison. Less enhanced credit for time served, he has 415 days left to serve. He was also ordered to provide a DNA sample and received a lifetime firearms prohibition. He must also pay a $200 victim surcharge.
Hildebrandt encouraged Billette to access programming, particularly for alcoholism.
