Lee Bonneau inquest learns about boy, 10, who allegedly killed

The 10-year-old boy who police believe killed Lee Bonneau, 6, in 2013, was well-known to police officers, jurors at an inquest have learned.

The boy can not be identified and is being referred to as L.T.

Lee was found badly beaten on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation in southern Saskatchewan after walking away from a bingo he had been at with his foster mother.

On Monday, the RCMP investigator in charge of Bonneau's case told the inquest there were 23 complaints against L.T., beginning when the boy was six and police received a report that he had been engaging in sexually inappropriate behaviour at school.

When more reports were made about L.T. exposing himself publicly, or touching or even assaulting other children sexually, the RCMP became so concerned that they interviewed L.T. to see if had been the victim of sexual abuse. There was no evidence that was the case.

Suspected in dog's death

Two years later, L.T. and another boy were suspected of killing a pregnant dog and its unborn puppies following a break and enter. Police found a baseball bat and golf club on the property.

No charges were laid in any of the incidents, due to the boy's age.

In August of 2012, L.T. was slapped by his father who was charged and convicted of assault. Later that year L.T. witnessed what investigators called a gruesome aggravated assault.

The inquest was told that RCMP officers were worried L.T. was falling through the cracks and police asked a local tribal council to intervene with counseling and a plan for L.T. Social workers at the Yorkton Tribal Council's child and family service department were responsible for the boy's case.

According to the RCMP and the boy's school, there was little intervention by social workers before Bonneau died.

Shy, at first, in school

Jurors also heard from a vice-principal at L.T.'s school, who said the boy's school years began with him being quiet and shy and that he started acting out in Grade 1. He was sent home from school several times over his behaviour. By the time he was in Grade 3 L.T. was often suspended from school because of concerns about the safety of other students.

The vice-principal said communication could have been better between the school and the Yorkton Tribal Council.

The jurors also heard, from the vice-principal, that other children would exclude L.T. from play and he didn't have any close friends.

A prevention officer for the Yorkton Tribal Council also testified Monday, telling jurors about the role of the child and family services division of the council and how, as a prevention officer, efforts are made to help children stay in their family homes.

Annie Taypotat said that, to help L.T., she developed a four-week project to engage him with mentors. She also did home visits with L.T.'s parents.

The inquest continues Tuesday. The coroner's inquest was called to determine the circumstances surrounding Lee Bonneau's death and provide possible recommendations to avoid similar situations. The inquest is not conducted to assign fault or blame.