ESTEVAN, Sask. — The prosecution has rested its case in the second-degree murder trial of Taylor Morgan Japp.
Japp is accused of killing Briana Hayes in April 2024 on the White Bear First Nations. Both Japp and Hayes were residents of Oxbow.
The prosecution had its final witness Sept. 21 in Estevan Court of King's Bench, wrapping up testimony that spanned nearly three weeks. Thirty-three people were on the Crown's witness list.
After jury selection Sept. 2, the prosecution delivered its opening statement and presented the facts of the case. Testimony from law enforcement officers, witnesses and experts took place from Sept. 2-21.
A date for the start of the defence's case has not been set.
The trial is scheduled 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.
