Mother of Saskatoon child killed in crosswalk urges drivers to be more careful

A Saskatoon mother is pleading with drivers to be more careful on the road, and to be more aware of their surroundings.

Rochelle Dubois’ nine-year-old daughter, Bayleigh Maurice, was killed while pushing a scooter in a marked crosswalk in the 600 block of 33rd Street West on Sept. 9, 2021.

The last year has been extremely difficult for Dubois, who said it’s getting more difficult to remember her daughter.

“It definitely feels like she was never in my life anymore. It’s hard to remember her in a good way when I’m always depressed,” Dubois said outside of Saskatoon Provincial Court.

Dubois and her supporters were in court for a scheduled appearance by 28-year-old Taylor Ashley Kennedy.

Kennedy has been charged with impaired driving causing death while exceeding the prescribed concentration of THC. The charge was laid six months after Maurice’s death.

Kennedy’s legal aid lawyer, Jonathan Stockdale, withdrew from the case on Thursday for “ethical reasons.” Well-known Saskatoon lawyer Brian Pfefferle has now taken over.

Outside the courthouse, Dubois says she’s been struggling.

“I’m getting the best help that I can with what I can do. It’s … it’s not easy and everybody says, ‘Stay positive. Things will get better,’ but it doesn’t get better. It’s hard to stay positive because my life just keeps crumbling on me,” Dubois said through tears.

She’s asking drivers throughout the city to keep a better eye out for children.

“I think that drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings, and I’m just tired of seeing Saskatoon drivers drive around with privilege. It’s not fair,” she said.

Kennedy did not appear in court. Her case has been adjourned until Nov. 30 for election of trial by judge or jury, and for a plea.