A 23-year-old woman facing second-degree murder charges in the death of an 8-year-old child has been declared unfit to stand trial by Saskatchewan authorities.

Karrena Young was initially charged with manslaughter following the discovery of an unresponsive child at a residence on Shoal Lake Cree Nation on May 23, 2025. The charges were later elevated to second-degree murder within a week of the incident.

Mental Health Assessment and Treatment

In November, following a mental health evaluation, Young was deemed unfit to stand trial. She was subsequently ordered to undergo a 60-day treatment program at Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford.

A follow-up court appearance in Carrot River on January 22 determined that Young remained unfit to face trial despite completing the prescribed treatment. As a result, her case has been transferred to the Saskatchewan Review Board for further evaluation.

Legal Process and Next Steps

The Saskatchewan Review Board, an independent administrative tribunal, will now oversee Young’s case. Under Canadian law, an individual is considered unfit for trial if, due to mental disorder, they are unable to comprehend the nature of the trial proceedings, understand potential consequences, or effectively communicate with legal counsel.

The incident occurred approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon on the Shoal Lake Cree Nation territory. The Review Board is expected to schedule a hearing to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Young’s mental fitness and determine the appropriate course of action.

Future Proceedings

The Saskatchewan Review Board will hold a hearing at an undetermined future date to further evaluate Young’s case and mental state. This assessment will be crucial in determining how the legal proceedings will move forward.