‘The system failed him': Crown stays proceedings against Saskatoon man accused in death of Nicholas Bell
A 32-year-old Saskatoon man accused of first-degree murder over a fatal shooting in a Meadowgreen neighbourhood alleyway has had his charge stayed.
On Dec. 14, 2023, 33-year-old Nicholas Bell was shot in an alley behind the 2700 block of 21st Street West. He was taken to hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries. Saskatoon police soon released images of a suspect pulled from a nearby surveillance camera, calling on the public to help identify the man.
Fatal shooting
In January 2023, police released a grainy photo from surveillance footage of a man they believed was involved in the shooting.
In July 2024, police arrested Taylor Peequaquat in connection with the killing and laid a charge of first-degree murder.
Last month, CTV News has learned, the charge was stayed by the Crown — putting an end to the criminal proceedings against 32-year-old Peequaquat.
Saskatoon Crown prosecutor Linh Le told CTV News she reviewed the evidence and determined there was not a reasonable likelihood of conviction.
'When I have done a complete and thorough review of all the evidence that we do have on the file that the police have provided to us, the Crown has determined that this case does not meet that prosecutorial standard,' Le said.
'I can tell you that this is an exercise that the Crown has to complete on every single file that reaches our desk from the police, regardless of how serious or how minor the charge is,' she said.
'We have to be satisfied that there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction and that there's a public interest to continue based on the evidence.'
In a post on Facebook, the victim's sister Praze Bell said the system failed her brother.
'It was a heartless cold act out of the blue. We have been fighting for justice for the past year and six months. A few days ago we found out that Taylor Peequaqaut will not be charged for murder due to 'not enough evidence.' There will not be a court date,' she wrote.
Nicholas Bell and Praze Bell
Nicholas Bell and his sister Praze (Source: Facebook / Praze Bell)
'We do not have justice for my brother. The system failed him and my family and everyone my brother knew. It is truly heartbreaking.'
Praze described her brother as a charismatic, kind and strong man who was a skilled chef and a champion MMA fighter.
'He was an amazing son. An amazing brother. An amazing friend. And an amazing person. He always showed up for his family and friends and was always doing his best to be there and cheer on everyone.'
A stay of proceedings by the Crown does not mean the charges have been dropped, but it does put a pause on the legal proceedings.
The Crown has one year to decide whether to reinstate the charges, in the event that new evidence comes to light.
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