A man initially facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Sheri Lynn Sabattis, a member of the Wolastoqey community, has now admitted guilt to a reduced charge of manslaughter, as confirmed by the RCMP on Thursday. Jared Smith from Burton was accused of the crime in 2024 when Sabattis, aged 54, was found deceased in a residence within the Wolastoqey community. The RCMP arrested Smith on the same day as the discovery of Sabattis’s body.

The RCMP did not elaborate on the reasons for the alteration in Smith’s charge. Smith entered his guilty plea for manslaughter during a virtual court appearance in Burton Court and remains in custody until his upcoming court date on Nov. 9. Previously, a trial for the second-degree murder charge was set to commence next month.