Sask. woman accused of driving while high in fatal crash takes the stand

The woman accused of hitting and killing a child while driving under the influence of THC was called to the stand on Wednesday.

The woman accused of hitting and killing a child while driving under the influence of THC was called to the stand on Wednesday.

Wiping away tears, Taylor Kennedy told court that an incident where her friend was killed in a hit and run is the reason she stayed at the scene of the crash and called for help.

“I caused the accident, it was my responsibility,” she said.

Kennedy is charged with impaired driving, exceeding the prescribed blood-drug concentration of THC, and causing the death of nine-year-old Baeleigh Maurice.

Maurice was on her way to school on Sept. 9, 2021, pushing her scooter at a 33rd Street West crosswalk, when she was struck by Kennedy’s truck.

Kennedy is the first person in Saskatchewan charged for causing a death while driving under the influence of THC.

Her trial resumed Wednesday after a two and half month adjournment. The crown closed its case, while the defence called Kennedy to the stand to testify in a voir dire, a hearing that determines whether evidence will be used in trial.