Murderer accused in deadly fight at Saskatoon nightclub recorded on cellphones has been released on bail

A Saskatoon woman captured on cellphone video in a fight that left another woman dead is out on bail.

Paige Theriault-Fisher, 22, is charged with manslaughter after Hodan Hashi, 23, died Nov. 5 after a fight at LIT Nightclub in downtown Saskatoon. Thériault-Fisher had originally been charged with second degree murder, but that was reduced later the same day.

The 30-second altercation was recorded by people at the nightclub, with the graphic footage circulating widely on social media.

Prosecutor Frank Impey and defense attorney Sharon Fox submitted a consent release plan to Judge Brent Klause in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Thursday. Klause agreed to the plan, which includes a $5,000 cash deposit, a curfew and a do not contact list.

« You talk about the social media aspect and people jump to conclusions. They can see a grainy video. They can see a lot of videos and jump to conclusions, » Impey said in court.

« After the police started collecting evidence, that charge was downgraded to manslaughter. And so when you’re talking about people talking about murder, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the police made the right decision here. Circumstances do not warrant a murder charge. »

Such was the furor on social media this week that Saskatoon police issued a statement on Twitter clarifying and defending the decision to amend the charge.

« The preliminary investigation resulted in the arrest of a 22-year-old woman for second degree murder, » the statement said.

« As the investigation progressed and officers were able to view video from multiple sources and interview witnesses, the evidence instead supported a charge of manslaughter. »

Fox said outside court that Theriault-Fisher never intended her night to end with her being charged with causing the death.

« His heart and condolences go out to the family of the deceased. They are certainly traumatized. This is an event that will affect two families for the rest of their lives, » Fox said in court.

« We are confident that this case advances that all the facts will demonstrate that it was an act of self-defence that resulted in an unfortunate tragedy. »

Police said the two women knew each other. Fox did not have his client’s approval to discuss the relationship or what sparked the altercation.

A family member in Ottawa told CBC that Hashi moved to Saskatoon in the summer of 2021, after graduating from Sir Robert Borden High School.

According to the relative, Hashi’s family had lived in Saskatoon for a year in 2015 and Hashi wanted to return to a familiar place to continue his higher education.

She worked in the city, they said, and was due to attend Saskatchewan Polytechnic in January to pursue studies in early childhood education.

« It’s really devastating that she was taken from us like this, » a friend who did not want to be named told CBC in messages exchanged on social media. « She would always have your back, no matter what. »

Hashi was one of nine siblings, the parent said.

« She was really loved…and had so many people who knew and loved her. »

Hashi’s friend wrote to CBC, describing her as « a sweet, loving, kind young girl with a lot of ambitions [who] never failed to put a smile on my face. »

« She doesn’t deserve what happened to her. »

Paige Theriault-Fisher is due back in court on December 15.