SASKATOON — A 15-day judge-alone trial began Monday in Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench for Michael Smillie, 58, who is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Taya Sinclair.
Her body was found March 15, 2022, in a snow dump area south of the Alfred Jenkins Field House in Prince Albert. The Prince Albert Police Service and Prince Albert Fire Department responded to a report of a burned body at the site.
Sinclair had previously been reported as a missing person to Saskatoon Police Service on March 14, 2022.
Two other people were also charged in Sinclair’s death. Stephanie Halkett-Stevenson was charged with first-degree murder. She pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced in November 2024.
Chelsey Crowe was initially charged with manslaughter, unlawful confinement, and assault causing bodily harm in Sinclair’s death. She pleaded guilty on Monday to lesser charges. A sentencing date hasn't been set.
A GoFundMe was held to support Sinclair's two young sons she left behind. Her family has attended most of the court appearances of the three charged.
