In a tense courtroom in Edmonton, family members of eight-year-old Nina Napope shouted in disbelief at the sentence handed down to Ashley Rattlesnake, who was convicted of manslaughter for the young girl's death. Nina disappeared in April 2023, and her body was found shortly thereafter, leading to a thorough investigation that initially charged Rattlesnake with first-degree murder. However, the charges were later reduced, and Rattlesnake ultimately pleaded guilty to manslaughter in September 2025.

The judge, while delivering the sentence of eight years in prison with a reduction for time already served, cited actions by the Edmonton Police Service as a mitigating factor in her decision. This acknowledgment raised concerns among the victim's family regarding the justice system's handling of the case, particularly in light of the severity of the crime. With Rattlesnake's time served, she will effectively spend just under four years in prison, which has been met with outrage and disbelief by those mourning Nina's death.

The case has drawn attention not only for its tragic circumstances but also for the potential implications it holds for public perception of the justice system in Canada, particularly regarding the treatment of serious offenses and the role of police investigations in ensuring justice. The lifting of the publication ban on Nina's identity also serves to highlight the importance of accountability in cases involving violent crime against minors, as communities grapple with the tragic outcomes of such incidents.