A man from Calder, Sask. was found guilty of manslaughter on Wednesday in connection to a 2023 death near Esterhazy. Curtis Sokoloski was initially charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 61-year-old Bentley Baumung near Esterhazy. The case dates back to June 18, 2023, when Esterhazy RCMP conducted a wellness check at a rural home northeast of Esterhazy. Officers discovered Baumung dead inside the residence. Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes arrested Sokoloski in Russell, Man. the next day. Sokoloski made his first court appearance in Yorkton Provincial Court shortly after his arrest. Nearly three years later, Sokoloski stood before a judge at Yorkton’s Court of King’s Bench where he was found guilty of manslaughter, but not guilty on a charge of indignity to a human body. Sokoloski is due back in court on Sept. 4 for sentencing.
