PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — Relatives of a young man accused of killing his 63-year-old grandmother pleaded Wednesday for help from politicians and police in dealing with issues of violence and alcohol and substance abuse.
Speaking in Cree as well as English, the deceased woman’s husband, William Ballantyne Sr., said the situation is dire.
“In Indian places anywhere in any city, trying to slow down the liquor, that’s the one that’s going to kill us,” he said. “Come on, government, help us. We need your help. You’re the only ones that can help us.”
The body of Jean Ballantyne was discovered outside of a residence in the northern Saskatchewan community of Pelican Narrows about 10 a.m. Christmas morning.
Riley Ballantyne, 20, is charged with first-degree murder in her death.