A twenty-year-old man from Pelican Narrows will stay behind bars after being accused of murdering his grandmother.
The body of 63-year-old Jean Ballantyne was found ouside her home Christmas morning. Her grandson Riley Sidney Andrew Ballantyne faces a charge of first degree murder.
Jean Ballantyne was recently featured in a CTV story about her efforts to reduce violence in Pelican Narrows. Resients have been calling for a tribal police force in light of rising gang activity the northern community near Flin Flon.
The courtroom gallery was half filled with Riley Ballantyne's family including his grandfather, William Ballantyne Sr. and his uncle, William Ballantyne Jr., who spoke with reporters outside of the courtroom.
"I'm just crying inside of me, I believe my mom is in a better place right now, in heaven waiting for us," said Ballantyne.
Riley Ballantyne's grandfather believes alcohol was a factor in the assault. "He was drinking and I'm pretty sure he didn't know what he was doing, I'm standing here today and if it wasn't for liquor, it wouldn't happen."
In the meantime, Riley Ballantyne has been given time to speak to a lawyer. He's scheduled to be back in court January 11, 2011.
