Woman charged in Saskatoon homicide changes her plea

A woman charged in connection with a Saskatoon homicide pleaded guilty Thursday, just before her trial was set to begin.

Chantal McLaren, 35, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder. Her second charge, offering an indignity to human remains, is expected to be withdrawn at sentencing.

Evidence had been scheduled to begin Thursday morning, but the case took a sudden turn when McLaren changed her plea.

Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench Justice Daryl Labach thanked jurors before dismissing them.

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McLaren’s charges stem from the death of Lee Perkins, a 25-year-old man from Alberta.

Perkins’ body was found on Feb. 3, 2024, when Saskatoon police executed a search warrant at 610 Lisgar Avenue.

Edin Vrazalica, 36, is charged with first-degree murder and offering an indignity to human remains. His trial is scheduled to begin in November.

A publication ban covers the evidence presented in McLaren’s case to protect the fairness of Vrazalica’s trial.

A third accused, Dillon Singler, 35, previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

McLaren has been out on bail since May 2024.

Contested sentencing submissions are scheduled for Sept. 2.