The two week trial for Chance Smith was held at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Muskoday murder case concludes with not guilty verdict

Jun 20, 2025 | 5:14 PM

Less than six hours after being sequestered, a jury responsible for the fate of a man charged with murder, returned with a not guilty verdict.

Moments later 26-year-old Chance Smith was visibly emotional.

Friday’s decision at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert concludes a case that dates back to June of 2023 when 27-year-old Wade Dreaver was found deceased at a house at Muskoday First Nation.

Through their investigation, police learned an altercation had occurred between Smith and Dreaver.

The trial lasted two weeks and according to testimony, it was Dreaver who initially had the knife and applied a headlock to Smith.

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Smith, who claimed he was fighting for his life, gained control of the knife and stabbed Dreaver nearly a dozen times including five to the chest, three to the abdomen and two to the mid-back.

During his final instructions to the jury, Justice Meschishnick asked them to consider whether Smith had lost self-control and was in fact acting in self-defence.

The jury, which consisted of men and women and both indigenous and non-indigenous, was also told they were not required to provide reasons for their final decision.

In addition to the murder charge, Smith was also found not guilty of both manslaughter and assault with a weapon.

Having been in custody since the incident, Smith walked out of the federal courthouse a free man.

There were no family members present in the courtroom.

Smith’s lawyer declined comment.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social