RCMP make second arrest in death of Tiki Laverdiere

By battlefordsNOW staff

RCMP have arrested and charged a second person in connection with the death of Tiki Brook-Lyn Laverdiere.

Danita Thomas, 32, has been charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, improperly interfering with a human body, and theft of a motor vehicle.

She will make her first court appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court on Wednesday.

Thomas’ arrest comes days after another woman’s arrest in the case. Shayla Orthner, 27, was arrested and charged July 20. She faces the same charges as Thomas.

Orthner made her first court appearance this morning where she was ordered to have no contact with a 25 other individuals. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 2.

RCMP said the homicide investigation remains ongoing and officers expect to make additional arrests in the coming weeks.

Laverdiere was reported missing on May 12. She was in the area at the end of April to attend a funeral on the Thunderchild First Nation with a friend.

Her remains were found in a rural area outside North Battleford on July 11.