Canada

Lengthy investigation led to charges for death of Native boy





Authorities spent seven months and $500,000 on an investigation that resulted in charges against three juveniles for the death of five-year-old Ethan Yellowbird on the Samson Cree First Nation in Alberta.

Ethan 's death last July shocked the nation. But the community rallied and cooperated with the probe, officials said.

“The Samson Cree Nation is full of law-abiding, strong and proud people,” Chief Marvin Yellowbird, Ethan's grandfather, said at a press conference, the Canadian Press reported. “The days of gangs wreaking havoc on our nation are over. We shall not relent until we know that all our people are safe.”

The three juveniles have been charged with manslaughter; intentional discharge of a firearm and endangering life. Two were arrested while the third is still being located.

All three are said to be involved with Native gangs.

Get the Story:
Relief felt in Hobbema (The Edmonton Journal 1/11)
Chief hopes more people will come forward to fight crime (The Canadian Press 1/11)
Charges in slaying of Hobbema boy (The Edmonton Journal 1/10)

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Three juveniles charged for death of five-year-old Native boy (1/10)
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