Trial begins in N.W.T. for woman accused of dangerous driving causing death in 2022 incident
Hannah Lafferty charged in connection with death of Germaine Mantla, 30, in Yellowknife
The trial of a woman accused of dangerous driving causing death in relation to a 2022 incident in Yellowknife began in N.W.T. Supreme Court on Monday.
Hannah Lafferty is charged in connection with the death of 30-year-old Germaine Mantla, who was struck by a vehicle in April 2022 at Bison Hill apartments in Yellowknife.
Mantla was seriously injured in the incident and later died from his injuries.
On Monday, the court heard from witnesses who described seeing or hearing an altercation taking place at the time of the incident.
One witness, Devin Cousins, said he heard a "large screech and a 'thunk,'" from his apartment, followed by yelling and screaming.
Another witness, Karen Murray, said they saw a vehicle traveling at high speed through the apartment parking lot.
"The driver's side door was wide open while it was fishtailing," said Murray.
Murray said she then saw the vehicle strike a man, knocking him about 20 feet.
According to Murray, Lafferty was in a fight with another woman before Lafferty drove the vehicle forward. Murray added that Lafferty had swelling and bruising on her face by her eye.
Two other witnesses were called to court on Monday but did not show up. The Crown prosecutor said warrants would be issued for their arrests.
The trial continues on Tuesday.