Trevor LaPlante death leads to a calls for change rally

Once 30 community members in front of the Prince Albert Provincial Court heard the latest update on the court case against the man accused of murdering Trevor LaPlante, they readied their signs and microphones as they set off for city hall.

Jeff Perehudoff, who organized the rally and the cry of ‘Justice for Trevor’, said justice is needed.

“I did this to bring support and get justice for Trevor; he deserves the proper justice,” said Perehudoff. “He had a heart of gold. He was a very happy guy, fun-loving little character, always had a smile on his face. He worked hard, very hard.”

LaPlante was somewhat of a local legend, known to city residents for his lengthy time working at Burger King, then at the McDonald’s on Second Avenue. He was also a regular fan at the Prince Albert Raider’s hockey games.

He was killed on July 22 in a way that has left people shocked and with many questions.

“I was very shocked, very upset along with most people. Everybody here is really upset. He is a big, iconic person in our city,” said Perehudoff of LaPlante’s physical presence.

“Everybody looked up to him. Everybody loved him. He always had a smile. He’s always welcoming, you know, no matter where you’d be, he’d walk across the room and come say hi. You know, he’s really gonna be missed in our community.”

Justice for Perehudoff is that whoever killed LaPlante is sent to jail and remains there.

That is a view shared by Maureen Palagian, LaPlante’s older sister. She attended court today for the second hearing for Michael Bird, the man accused of second-degree murder in the death of LaPlante. He was also charged with committing an indignity to human remains.

Inside the courthouse, Bird’s lawyer Zachary Carter, who is new to the file, informed Judge Lane he was waiting for disclosure. He then requested and was granted an adjournment to Aug. 28.

Noting the roughly two dozen people present in the gallery, Judge Lane took some time explaining how the court process works.

“This is going to be a long and sadly very painful process,” he said.

In addition to explaining what disclosure is, and that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, Judge Lane also informed the victim’s friends and family that the bail hearing, if one does occur, would be at Court of King’s Bench.

Lane also thanked the people for their interest in the case and expressed gratitude for the class they were showing as responsible citizens.

“I know how impactful this whole situation is to the community,” Lane stated.

Palagian said the family is touched by the outpouring of community support.

Maureen Palagian said she knows her brother would not have been able to defend himself against anyone who attacked him. (paNOW)

“I don’t know if I can ever get over this anger and because this is a senseless crime against someone that couldn’t defend himself from another. That’s what hurts the most because I know my brother couldn’t defend himself.”

I hope one day that… this pain in my chest and in my heart will eventually dissipate, but I don’t know if it will. It will always be true,” she said.

Like the roughly two dozen people that gathered in front of the courthouse before walking to city hall, Palagian is frustrated with high crime levels and lack of ability for governments to stop it.

“I think the community of Prince Albert myself and the people of Prince Albert are really frustrated and angry with everything that has gone on in the last six months to a year. And I really think unfortunately, my brother’s death is something that, you know, clicked with everyone. Prince Albert has had enough and I’ve had enough,” she said.

Supporters of the family of Trevor LaPlante. (paNOW)

The group was asked why they planned on marching to City Hall as municipalities have a very limited role in the criminal justice system. Perehudoff said they do have the ear of people who can make change happen.

“Well, only they have the connections where they can make their voices heard and they can spread the word. Also, if everybody can just come together and figure out a way, I know it’s possible.”

Two city councillors were present at the courthouse outside with the ralliers and another sister of Trevor’s, Charlene Miller, is an active member of council.