A man from Burton, identified as Jared Smith, has changed his plea to manslaughter from the original charge of second-degree murder regarding the death of Sheri Lynn Sabattis, a 54-year-old member of the Wolastoqey community, also known as Welamukotuk. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed this development on Thursday.
Sabattis was discovered deceased inside a residence in the Wolastoqey community on April 27, 2024, leading to Smith’s prompt arrest by the RCMP on the same day. The RCMP did not provide specific details regarding the alteration in the charges against Smith.
During a tele-remand session at Burton Court, Smith entered the guilty plea to manslaughter. He is currently in custody and is expected to appear in court again on November 9. The trial for the initial second-degree murder charge, which was originally set to commence next month, has now been impacted by this change in plea.