Witness testimony in Whitehawk murder trial continues with focus on gang connections

During the seventh day of the Dillon Whitehawk murder trial, witness testimony focused on gang connections to the case. Mick Favel has the details.

On Tuesday, the 12 person jury overseeing the Dillon Whitehawk double murder trial heard testimony from a person close to the Indian Mafia (I.M.) street gang in 2019.

Whitehawk is facing two first degree murder charges in the shooting deaths of Keenan Toto and Jordan Denton.

The witness, who cannot be named due to a publication ban, said Whitehawk had shared a number of details with them regarding the murders.

According to the witness, Whitehawk shot Toto and Denton because they were thought to have been from other gangs.

The witness said Whitehawk wore red clothing during the shooting as a tactic to bring whomever closer to the vehicle.

An SKS rifle and a Ruger rifle were the weapons used in the shootings and were purchased at Cabela’s in Regina, according to the witness.

The witness said they were there during the purchase of the guns, along with Whitehawk.

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Other I.M. member were also present during the purchase.

The witness concluded that Whitehawk moved up in the gang because of the murders.

A member of the Regina Police Service testified, sharing information on gangs in Regina, particularly during 2019.

According to testimony, I.M. originally began on eastern First Nation communities in Saskatchewan.

The gang gradually grew in size, particularly after 2016. Members of other gangs moved to I.M.

In the summer of 2019, and I.M. member killed a member of the Native Syndicate Killers street gang. This death started a war between the gangs.

The murders of Denton and Toto happened during this gang war.

Tuesday marked day seven of Whitehawk’s the double murder trial. Testimony continues Wednesday morning at Court of King’s Bench.