Jurors in the murder trial of Katlim Desjarlais-Kelly are deliberating to decide whether the fatal shot that killed Arden Panipekeesick was fired in self-defense or with intent to kill. On February 10, 2024, a gunfight occurred at a home in Saskatoon’s Caswell Hill neighborhood, leading to Panipekeesick's death at the age of 48. The defense claims Desjarlais-Kelly acted out of fear for his own life, arguing that he shot the victim only because he believed he was in imminent danger during the incident.

During the final arguments presented in court, defense lawyer Patrick McDougall stated that Desjarlais-Kelly's actions were a response to the threat he perceived from Panipekeesick, emphasizing that the 23-year-old's flight from the scene was due to fear rather than guilt. The Crown prosecutor, Lee Hnatiuk, countered this argument, stressing to the jury that they must consider the nature of the action taken—whether it was an intentional act of killing or a reckless discharge of a firearm during a chaotic exchange of gunfire. The outcome relies heavily on the jury's interpretation of these factors.

The decision is pivotal, not only for Desjarlais-Kelly, potentially facing a second-degree murder conviction, but also reflecting broader issues of self-defense claims in violent encounters. The jury's conclusion on the intent behind the gunfire can significantly influence legal standards regarding self-defense and public safety in similar future cases, making the stakes particularly high for the local community and the individuals involved.