RCMP Constable Michelle Phillips has pleaded not guilty to two counts of dangerous driving.
Phillips, who had been a member of the RCMP for one year at the time of the incident, is accused of dangerous driving causing the death of the 41-year-old Tracy Janvier.
She’s also facing a charge of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
According to an agreed statement of facts, on Aug. 21, 2016, the accused was responding to a report of a collision involving a pedestrian on Hwy. 881 south of Anzac.
While en route, it’s alleged that Const. Phillips struck the already injured pedestrian, Tracy Janvier, with her vehicle resulting in his death.
It’s also alleged Phillips’ vehicle struck the hand of 74-year-old James Cardinal as he was checking on Janvier, resulting in 30 stitches.
The 5-day trial opened with statements from five witnesses who each detailed what happened the night in question.
Eyewitness Testimony
Irene London of Janvier testified that she and her husband were driving Tracy Janvier home from a wedding reception in Fort McMurray.
London said Janvier, who was intoxicated at the time, became upset and repeatedly tried to exit the vehicle while it was moving.
After a third attempt to leave the vehicle, Janvier broke loose from London and started walking along Hwy. 881.
The second witness was 74-year-old James Cardinal, who said he was also struck by the police vehicle driven by Phillips.
Cardinal testified he and his wife were driving to their home in Janvier when their truck struck the man.
Cardinal, who sat on the passenger side, exited the truck to tend to the victim.
Truck driver Thomas Doyle testified that he saw the Cardinals hazard lights and stopped to offer assistance.
Doyle flagged down an oncoming vehicle, which was the vehicle of the fourth witness, Andrew Stepanowich.
Parked along the side of the road, each alleged they saw Phillips strike Tracy Janvier and James Cardinal’s hand with her vehicle.
All four witnesses testified it was dark, and there wasn’t any artificial light.
A fifth witness, volunteer firefighter Jordan White from Anzac, arrived at the scene afterwards with the emergency personnel.
The trial is expected to continue until Friday, April 5.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr Brooks-Lim and a pair of collision reconstructionists will take the stand Tuesday.
