Members of a Calgary family say they are disgusted after receiving word that the woman originally convicted of second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Gage Prevost has been granted a new trial.
The province’s top court ruled yesterday that Natalie Pasqua, 28, will be given another trial. It cited “prejudicial and incorrect” proceedings during the first trial, during which it said the judge made a combination of errors.
When Metro contacted the Prevost family, Karen Prevost, the victim’s aunt, said the family hadn’t yet been informed of the decision.
“The fact myself or my family was unaware of this and the media is, shows another example of the justice system completely ignoring us as victims,” she said.
“The murder of Gage has been excruciating for my family to this day and the trial was a small part for us to feel some justice.”
Gage Prevost was allegedly pushed in front of an oncoming train at the 8th Street SW location on Aug. 1, 2007, by Pasqua over a small drug debt.
Dale Prevost, the victim’s father, said he is angry at the justice system.
“They are just making it easier for criminals to get out of jail, and I’m sure bad guys are watching and looking at how easy it is for them,” he told Metro. “It’s a joke.”
While outraged, he said he expected the decision, though he was surprised that all three judges sided with Pasqua’s defence attorney that the trial was unfair.
“Things like this happen across the country all the time,” he added.
Prevost’s relatives say they are reluctant to endure the pain of another trial.
Pasqua was originally sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years.
