Saskatoon boy, 12, accused of manslaughter pleads guilty to lesser charge

A 12-year-old Saskatoon boy accused of manslaughter in a fatal shooting earlier this year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

The boy pleaded guilty in youth court to participating in criminal negligence causing death.

His 13-year-old co-defendant – also accused of manslaughter – is expected to go to trial next June.

The 12-year-old will be back in court in November for sentencing.

Officers were called to the 1000 block of Matheson Drive around 3 a.m. CST on Feb. 19 for an injured person. Police said a 12-year-old boy was shot and taken to a hospital, where he later died. This is the fifth homicide in the city in 2024, police said.

Both boys knew the 12-year-old boy they are accused of killing, according to Saskatoon police.