Shawn Moostoos was 33 years old at the time of the incident in Sept. 2021. (RCMP)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Man charged after double murder at James Smith, elects to be tried by judge and jury

Jan 27, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Nearly 16 months after a shooting incident on the James Smith Cree Nation claimed two lives and sent a third person to hospital, the resulting court case is showing signs of moving forward.

Shawn Moostoos has elected to be tried by judge and jury. The 35-year-old is facing two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Before the trial takes place, Moostoos will appear for a preliminary inquiry hearing.

The date for that hearing has been scheduled for August 21 at Melfort Provincial Court.

The court case dates back to Sept., 2021, when the shooting incident prompted RCMP to issue an emergency alert.

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

Ferland earns Grey Cup ring

'A wonderful human being': High school coach thrilled Logan Ferland is a Grey Cup champion

Nov 17, 2025

A 37-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, both from the community, were killed, and a 44-year-old man was transported to hospital with what was described at the time as serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Moostoos was arrested the following day in Melfort.

The names of the deceased have not been released, but police confirmed the suspect and the three victims were known to each other.

The purpose of the hearing in August will be to hear the Crown’s evidence, and the judge will make a decision on whether it’s sufficient enough to commit the case to trial.

–

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell