Sask. woman accused of driving while high in fatal crash takes the stand
The woman accused of hitting and killing a child while driving under the influence of THC was called to the stand on Wednesday.
Wiping away tears, Taylor Kennedy told court that an incident where her friend was killed in a hit and run is the reason she stayed at the scene of the crash and called for help.
“I caused the accident, it was my responsibility,” she said.
Kennedy is charged with impaired driving, exceeding the prescribed blood-drug concentration of THC, and causing the death of nine-year-old Baeleigh Maurice.
Maurice was on her way to school on Sept. 9, 2021, pushing her scooter at a 33rd Street West crosswalk, when she was struck by Kennedy’s truck.
Kennedy is the first person in Saskatchewan charged for causing a death while driving under the influence of THC.
Her trial resumed Wednesday after a two and half month adjournment. The crown closed its case, while the defence called Kennedy to the stand to testify in a voir dire, a hearing that determines whether evidence will be used in trial.
Kennedy testified the statement she gave to police, saying she smoked weed and micro-dosed magic mushrooms the day before, was true.
She also talked about her struggles with mental health, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and ADHD.
Kennedy said when she was arrested, she told officers she wanted her own lawyer, but was appointed legal-aid instead.
Court saw video evidence showing Kennedy in the back of the police car, where she was incoherent.
“In the moment you can’t really talk,” she said.
The crown said she never indicated she wanted to talk to her own lawyer.
The defence also called Kennedy’s mother to the stand. She confirmed Kennedy previously worked with a lawyer when she was charged with possession of cannabis before it was legal.
The case is scheduled to resume on Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Here's what jobs will survive in the AI boom: Statistics Canada estimates
A recent study by Statistics Canada sheds light on how different occupations may be affected by the AI boom, including those who might lose their jobs in a more automation-driven future.
Despite union protest, new hybrid work rules for federal employees kick in Monday
Public service unions will start the week with an early-morning rally opposing the policy. But despite the unions' 'summer of discontent' and an ongoing court challenge, the new rules will still kick in on Sept. 9.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
The 33 most anticipated movies of the fall
Here are some of the most anticipated films of this fall, from large to small and everything in between.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
Fentanyl-laced gummies discovered in Hamilton: police
Hamilton Police are warning locals of the discovery of fentanyl-laced gummies 'disguised as candy,' after finding them during a recent warrant.
Motorcyclist killed in collision with moose on Quebec highway
A motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a moose on Friday evening in Saint-Modeste, near Rivière-du-Loup in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Regina
-
These two political parties in Saskatchewan are considering an alliance
Two political parties in Saskatchewan are considering a potential alliance ahead of the upcoming provincial election.
-
'We have members that care': Victoria Club in Regina celebrates 100 years
The Victoria Club Regina has a weekend of activities planned in celebration of 100 years of operation.
-
Pelletier sets school record in Rams win over Huskies
The University of Regina Rams beat the University of Saskatchewan Huskies 33-28 on Friday night at Mosaic Stadium to improve to 2-0 on the young Canada West season.
Winnipeg
-
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon, according to multiple sources.
-
Manitoba jail guard acquitted of all charges in death of Indigenous inmate
A Manitoba judge acquitted a provincial corrections officer of all charges in the death of an Indigenous inmate following a violent stand-off in the jail more than three years ago.
-
A new way to get lost: How Manitoba's corn mazes are created
Corn maze season has officially begun throughout Manitoba – a sign that fall is just around the corner.
Edmonton
-
1 dead, 1 injured after semi and SUV crash head-on near Sedgewick
A woman is dead and a man is in hospital after an SUV and a semi truck crashed on Highway 13 near Sedgewick on Friday.
-
Charges laid after motorcyclist posts video of dangerous driving on social media
A motorcyclist is facing multiple charges of driving dangerously after he posted social media videos of himself breaking the law.
-
Edmonton zoning changes pit lot owner against city over property value
A homeowner in a southside neighbourhood says his property is about to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in value because of the City of Edmonton.
Calgary
-
How to get a whole city to stop lawn watering? Experts say praise over punishment
For almost two weeks, a city of 1.6 million people has been told once again to stop watering lawns, take three-minute showers, hold off on laundry and dishes, and let the yellow in their toilets mellow.
-
Memorial held for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at their New Jersey high school
An emotional memorial was held Friday for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at their old high school in Gloucester City, New Jersey.
-
Over 17,000 cases of Chocolate Mint Girl Guide cookies arrive in Calgary as fundraising campaign kicks off
A precious -- and tasty -- cargo arrived in Calgary Saturday.
Lethbridge
-
City of Lethbridge releases more inclusive welcoming land acknowledgment
A more inclusive and welcoming land acknowledgment has been released by the City of Lethbridge.
-
Free stuff: Reuse Rendezvous returns to Lethbridge Saturday
Those looking to do some de-cluttering ahead of the fall can put their unwanted items on their front lawn for the annual Reuse Rendezvous this weekend.
-
Lethbridge wants residents to apply to join city boards, committees and commissions
The City of Lethbridge is encouraging residents to apply to become members on one of city council’s many boards, commissions and committees.
Toronto
-
Fentanyl-laced gummies discovered in Hamilton: police
Hamilton Police are warning locals of the discovery of fentanyl-laced gummies 'disguised as candy,' after finding them during a recent warrant.
-
23-year-old woman critically injured in Highway 401 rollover dies: OPP
A woman has died, and another person is in hospital with serious injuries following a rollover crash on Highway 401 in Mississauga on Friday night.
-
Hit-and-run in Whitby leaves 1 woman critically injured: police
A woman is in hospital in life-threatening condition after she was struck in a hit-and-run in Whitby early Saturday morning.
Ottawa
-
Garage fire displaces two adults in Orleans
Ottawa Fire Services says two adults have been displaced following a fire that started in the garage of their home in Orleans Friday evening.
-
Here's what the latest rate cut means for mortgage holders, home buyers
The Bank of Canada has lowered its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.25 per cent.
-
Special weather statement in effect for Ottawa
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Ottawa this Saturday.
Montreal
-
Former NHLer and addict Brandon Reid's new goal is to help others beat addiction
Brandon Reid was a promising NHLer for the Vancouver Canucks, but his struggles with addiction almost killed him. He now trains other addicts as they fight to stay sober.
-
Teen killed on e-scooter near Montreal park honoured, calls for more safety measures
Family and community members gathered in Montreal's Cartierville neighbourhood on Saturday to pay respects to a 14-year-old boy who was killed while riding a scooter in the summer.
-
Petition calls for service dog subsidy for those with autism in Quebec
A petition has garnered more than 10,000 signatures calling for the Quebec subsidy for service dogs to be extended to those with autism.
Vancouver
-
Fire destroys commercial greenhouse in Surrey
A large fire destroyed a greenhouse in Surrey early Saturday morning, causing "quite a spectacle," according to firefighters.
-
1 dead, 1 airlifted after crash that closed Highway 1 in Langley
A tow truck driver is dead and another person has been hospitalized with serious injuries after a major crash on Highway 1 in Langley Friday night.
-
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Kelowna
-
Charges laid in hit-and-run that killed Kelowna teen
A man has now been charged for his alleged role in a hit-and-run that killed a teenager in Kelowna, B.C., last fall.
-
Have you seen Lulu? Kelowna RCMP searching for stolen puppy
Mounties in Kelowna are appealing to the public for help reuniting a stolen puppy named Lulu with its owner.
-
RCMP issue 'strong warning' against unsanctioned pre-grad parties in B.C.'s Okanagan
Authorities are urging parents in B.C.'s Okanagan to speak with their teenagers about the dangers of attending "unsanctioned" pre-graduation parties.
Vancouver Island
-
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
-
Suspect accused of random attacks in Vancouver had a history of court-ordered psychiatric care
Brendan Colin McBride, the man accused of killing one man and assaulting another in downtown Vancouver Wednesday, was identified by the courts as requiring counselling and forensic psychiatric services as part of a probation order in 2022.
-
Trudeau insists he's staying on as Liberal leader. But what if he changes his mind?
The Liberal caucus is set to meet in Nanaimo, B.C., next week for a retreat ahead of the fall parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists he will lead his party into the next election despite polls citing his unpopularity among Canadians. Here's a look at what would happen if he decided to call it quits.
London
-
‘Proactive enforcement’: City of London housing blitz aims at helping tenants address issues with landlords
The City of London’s municipal enforcement team spent Saturday at 700 units on Kipps Lane, helping tenants address property standards issues.
-
Strathroy-Caradoc police searching for robbery, stabbing suspects
The Strathroy-Caradoc police are investigating a robbery and stabbing following an incident early Saturday morning.
-
Trial against former Woodstock mayor, Trevor Birtch, continues
The trial of former Woodstock mayor, Trevor Birtch, continued on Friday.
Kitchener
-
Three teens charged for armed robbery at Kitchener jewelry store
Three teens were arrested for an armed robbery at a Kitchener jewelry store after witnesses caught and detained the suspects until officers arrived on scene.
-
Kitchener gas station robbed a knifepoint
Police are hoping the public can help them identify the person who robbed a Kitchener gas station.
-
Spill cleaned up in Kitchener creek
A spill reported earlier this week in the Schneider Creek has now been cleaned up, according to the City of Kitchener.
Northern Ontario
-
Sudbury OPP officer pleads guilty to stealing evidence during moose hunt investigation
A veteran staff sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police in Sudbury has been sentenced for stealing two items from a First Nations man and hiding what he did while his fellow officers searched for them.
-
Person hospitalized for Ontario's first human case of rabies since 1967
Ontario is reporting the first human case of rabies contracted in the province in more than half a century.
-
Fentanyl-laced gummies discovered in Hamilton: police
Hamilton Police are warning locals of the discovery of fentanyl-laced gummies 'disguised as candy,' after finding them during a recent warrant.
Atlantic
-
N.S. RCMP apologizes to Black community for wide-ranging effects of street checks
The commander of the RCMP in Nova Scotia says the force is sorry for the wide-ranging harms the province's Black community suffered due to the Mounties' historic use of street checks.
-
Flooding repairs at Cape Breton Regional Hospital expected to take five months
The Nova Scotia Health Authority has released more information about the significant flooding at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on August 25.
-
Here's what jobs will survive in the AI boom: Statistics Canada estimates
A recent study by Statistics Canada sheds light on how different occupations may be affected by the AI boom, including those who might lose their jobs in a more automation-driven future.
N.L.
-
Dispute over unrecognized Inuit group halts major conference for Canadian North
A 16-year-old biennial event aimed at fostering business in the country's eastern Arctic and northern regions has been cancelled indefinitely as a dispute unfolds between Inuit in Canada and a Labrador group claiming to share their heritage.
-
Cow cuddling: Why a Newfoundland farm is offering quality time with these 'gentle creatures'
Jim Lester’s farm hopped on the cow-cuddling trend in early August, and his time slots have been pretty well sold out ever since.
-
Newly reinstated Newfoundland cod fishery temporarily paused as landings hit limit
The federal government has temporarily paused parts of the newly reinstated commercial northern cod fishery off the east coast of Newfoundland as landings approach the seasonal limit.
