A 15-year-old girl is fighting for her life in a hospital after a horrific incident at a Saskatoon high school, where she was set ablaze earlier this fall. This shocking act has raised questions about safety in schools and the mental health of young offenders.

The accused, a 14-year-old teenager who cannot be named due to legal protections under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, had her lawyer appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court this past Wednesday. The court was anticipated to discuss the defense’s plea; however, proceedings revealed significant delays in the case. The delays stem from the ongoing recovery of the victim, which has made it challenging for both the Crown prosecution and the defense to gather crucial evidence.

What happened on September 5 at Evan Hardy Collegiate has left many in disbelief. The accused faces severe charges, including attempted murder, arson, and aggravated assault, after reportedly dousing her classmate with a flammable substance and igniting it. The attack also left a teacher injured while trying to intervene.

A previous court appearance revealed even more troubling details. A judge ordered a psychiatric assessment for the accused after she allegedly claimed to police that "voices told her to do things" before the attack. It has since been disclosed that the accused was under the supervision of a nurse practitioner at the time, having previously received psychiatric care. Diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, and autism at some point in her past, the young accused's background raises critical discussions about the mental health resources available to teenagers.

Crown prosecutor Ainsley Furlonger has voiced intentions to seek an adult sentence if the accused is convicted, underscoring the severity of the charges. Moreover, the situation escalated when the accused faced new charges, including assaulting a peace officer and making threats after an incident on November 8. Following this, she made her initial court appearance for these charges on November 12.

The latest court appearance for the accused is set for December 18. As the case continues to unfold, it shines a light on the pressing issues of youth violence, mental health treatment, and how schools can better protect students. Citizens, parents, and advocates alike are left wondering: what more can be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future?