Stepfather of 17-year-old says fatal car crash could have been avoided

The stepfather of a 17-year-old linked to a fatal crash in Saskatoon earlier this week says it could have been avoided. 

The teen made a court appearance on Wednesday on other charges. During that court hearing, family members of the young man said he was visibly high. He was involved in the crash that killed a man hours later.

Police said they're still determining whether or not the teen was impaired at the time of the crash. 

"My wife was begging to the judge and he was shushing her," said the stepfather. "Why would the judge shush her? It was just obvious. He was slurring with white foam coming out of his mouth. And then he's swearing out of the courtroom."

The 17-year-old, whose 18th birthday is Saturday, is being held on charges after he allegedly breached conditions of an earlier release. Police said a dangerous driving causing death charge is pending in relation to the fatal crash on Circle Drive on Wednesday that claimed the life of a 70-year-old man.

His family said a barbecue was planned to celebrate the teen's birthday. 

• Man, 70, dead following multi-vehicle crash on Circle Drive in Saskatoon
• Mother of teen accused in fatal Saskatoon crash shocked court allowed him to leave while 'so high'

The stepfather — who cannot be named so as not to reveal the identity of his stepson, who is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act due to his age — was visibly shaken outside of the Saskatoon provincial courthouse Friday morning during his stepson's second court appearance.

"I don't know what to say anymore. Why would the justice system just let him go like that?" he questioned.

A day earlier, his wife echoed his sentiments. 

"My son is a drug addict," the teen's mother told CBC without reservation.

According to the woman, her son had gotten clean and was on the honour roll at his school before he relapsed earlier this year.

The Ministry of Justice said in an emailed statement that "public prosecutions is looking into the matter, but it is too soon to comment further."

At the teen's court appearance on Friday, the defence ordered a report to explore treatment options. The teen was remanded into custody until his next court appearance on Sept. 14. 

2 reports of erratic driving

Prior to the collision, Saskatoon police said they received two reports of the suspect's vehicle being driven erratically and patrol members were trying to locate the car. The two reports included the car being driven over a curb and a hit and run.

History of violence and breaches

According to court records, the youth pleaded guilty on May 29, 2015 to a number of charges.

He pleaded guilty to an aggravated assault from Dec. 14, 2013; breaching an undertaking by wearing gang colours associated with the Terror Squad; twice breaching his curfew; breaking and entering; and to not carry weapons.

On all counts, he was sentenced to six months open custody, followed by three months supervised custody in the community and 18-months probation.