The grandfather of a six-week-old Saskatoon boy who was killed in early July says his family actively fundraises in order to attend each of the accused murderer’s court appearances.
“Every month we fundraise, sometimes we have burger sales, make bingos,” said Jeffrey Longman, the grandfather of Nikosis Jace Cantre, who died in the early morning hours of July 3 at a home in the College Park East neighbourhood.
A 16-year-old girl is charged with second-degree murder in the case. She cannot be named because she’s a young offender.
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At least 20 family members and supporters make a roughly two-and-a-half hour trip from the George Gordon First Nation to Saskatoon for each of the girl’s court appearances, according to Longman.
The community is located about 100 kilometres north of Regina, near the town of Raymore, Sask.
Longman said some of the supporters travel on the bus, which can be an expensive trip.
“I’d like to say thank you to everybody that’s supported us … all we want is justice for our grandson.”
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The accused made a brief appearance via video in provincial court Wednesday morning and is expected to enter a plea during her next appearance on Oct. 12.
Longman said coming to court for the girl’s appearances has been hard for him and the rest of the family.
“It brings back the nightmare that it happened,” Longman said.