Witness Recounts Chaotic Scene in Saskatoon Murder Trial
In a chilling courtroom testimony, a woman described the violent events that unfolded in a Saskatoon home, leading to a fatal shooting that is now at the center of a second-degree murder trial. The witness provided detailed accounts of the chaotic confrontation that resulted in the death of her longtime partner.
Testimony Reveals Details of Fatal Confrontation
Eva Pritchard took the stand during the first full day of evidence at Katlim Kristian John Desjarlais-Kelly's trial, describing the events of February 10, 2024. According to her testimony, she and her partner of 19 years, Arden Panipekeesick, were in the basement of their Westmount neighbourhood home when they heard a loud noise that prompted them to investigate.
"There was bullets," Pritchard testified, recalling the terrifying moments when gunfire erupted in her home. "I just remember trying to get out of the way."
Escalation of Violence in Residential Home
The witness described how the situation rapidly deteriorated when they encountered Desjarlais-Kelly in their living room. According to Pritchard, an argument quickly developed between the two men, with Panipekeesick telling the accused to leave the premises.
"He could have just walked out the door," Pritchard emphasized during her testimony, noting that nothing prevented Desjarlais-Kelly from leaving peacefully.
The confrontation escalated dramatically when Desjarlais-Kelly threw a chair, prompting both men to produce weapons and begin shooting. Pritchard estimated she heard three to four shots during the exchange, though she admitted uncertainty about who fired first.
Sheltering from Gunfire and Aftermath
Pritchard testified that she took shelter in a basement stairway as the shooting unfolded. After the initial exchange, Desjarlais-Kelly briefly left the house but returned complaining of an arm injury, though Pritchard said she didn't notice any blood.
The situation reached its tragic conclusion when Desjarlais-Kelly returned a second time, this time holding a gun. Pritchard described trying to intervene as she noticed the weapon being pointed at her partner.
"I said please stop," she testified, but her plea went unheeded. After the fatal shot was fired, Pritchard rushed to Panipekeesick, who was bleeding from his neck.
Background Context and Cross-Examination
During cross-examination by defence lawyer Patrick McDougall, additional context emerged about the victim's background. Pritchard acknowledged that Panipekeesick had previously been involved with the Native Syndicate street gang but had left that life behind during his time in prison.
The witness also confirmed that her partner was prohibited from possessing weapons due to a prior conviction, though she noted this occurred before their relationship began. While acknowledging that many people visited their home, Pritchard firmly denied that it functioned as a drug house.
Pritchard testified that Desjarlais-Kelly had introduced himself to the couple on a previous occasion, establishing some prior familiarity between the individuals involved in the tragic incident.
The trial continues as the court examines the circumstances surrounding the shooting that claimed the life of a 48-year-old man and left a family without their father of seven children.
