This is an undated Facebook photo of Todd Norman Linklater.
APTN News
A Nelson House First Nation man is charged with three counts of impaired driving causing death after three boys were struck by a car and killed just outside the northern Manitoba community Saturday night.
RCMP confirm Todd Norman Linklater, 27, fled the scene of the crash on Provincial Road 620 at about 10:30 p.m. on April 28, only to turn himself in to the detachment later.
He is also charged with failing to stay at the scene of an accident and impaired driving causing death with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit, police said Monday.
The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has a population of about 4,200.
“There was no driver or occupants at the time, as they had fled the scene. Within a short period of time, the four occupants returned back to the scene and provided information back to police about who the driver was, as he had fled on foot,” RCMP spokesman Sgt. Paul Menaigre told The Canadian Press.
“I guess they went after him, but he took off.”
The trio of Keithan Lobster, 13, Mateo Moore-Spence, 11 and Terrence Spence, 11 were walking and biking “and exploring” when they were hit, said Nelson House Chief Marcel Moody.
“The two boys, Matteo and Terrence, I knew them personally because they were really close friends of my grandchildren.”
Moody said he broke the news to his grandchildren over the phone in Winnipeg.
“I was as gentle as possible telling them they lost ‘their best bros’ – as they called them. They were always together whenever my grandchildren came back to Nelson House.”
Moody said Keithan had just moved back to the Cree community about 700 km north of Winnipeg.
The community is planning to gather at the scene of the accident Monday night for a memorial service, he added.
“Obviously, it’s devastating to hear that alcohol is (allegedly) involved,” he added. “We have a limit how much (alcohol) can be brought in and a Checkstop Program to enforce it.”
He said Linklater and his passengers were returning home from the nearby city of Thompson along the gravel access road that connects Nelson House with Highway 391.
“From my understanding, he’s a good, young, gentleman that made the wrong decision to (allegedly) drink and drive.”
Moody described the access road as “one of the worst roads in Manitoba. We’ve been after the province for a number of years to asphalt that road.
“Especially in the spring and fall,” he added, “it’s mucky and people can’t stay in their lanes. Sometimes that have to go on the other side of the road to avoid potholes.”
He said there were no streetlights along the road, either.
Roslyn Moore was on the scene of the fatality within minutes.
“It was a very traumatic situation as these children are my son’s friends,” she told APTN News.
“One of the boys that was not hurt ran to our house and got me. He was obviously very upset. In those moments, all I could think about was reaching the kids and doing what I could to help including halting traffic.”
Moore said she was “hampered” in her rescue efforts by poor cellphone reception and no lights.
“I believe there needs to be better lighting along that stretch of highway as so many people walk and bike along all the roads in our community and on that highway.”
Moore said the deaths have hit the close community hard.
“What affects one of us affects all of us. We have lost so many people over the last while and it seems we are in a perpetual state of grieving.”
She said a gofundme account has been set up to defer funeral costs and build a safe bike trail in memory of the three boys.
Pride…Ash…Martha…..learn to spell
As for the rest, I’m an educated person, father of 5, employed , travelled to places you others could only Google, Cabo San Lucas, Antigua and many other places. I’m also a full blooded ojibway. Yes, I’m apart of the 60s scoop. Yes, I grew up in CFS
. All of that means I don’t hide behind it as an excuse.
As for this horrible accident, there are those who blame western society as a reason for anything to do with native people. Our people need to grow a pair, be more responsible and teach our children better. Like I said before, we don’t and judging by those idiots commenting towards me, it’s clearly obvious. Sad
Pride…Ash…Martha…..learn to spell
As for the rest, I’m an educated person, father of 5, employed , travelled to places you others could only Google, Cabo San Lucas, Antigua and many other places. I’m also a full blooded ojibway. Yes, I’m apart of the 60s scoop. Yes, I grew up in CFS
. All of that means I don’t hide behind it as an excuse.
As for this horrible accident, there are those who blame western society as a reason for anything to do with native people. Our people need to grow a pair, be more responsible and teach our children better. Like I said before, we don’t and judging by those idiots commenting towards me, it’s clearly obvious. Sad
Really we are blaming the road and lack of lighting?!! Seriously?!! No, I’m sorry but this is bs. The only reason these innocent kids are no longer walking this earth is because an adult decided it was a good idea to drink and drive. Get drunk all you want you are an adult but the second you drive you are a pos!! And a repeat offender at that!!! So apparently he didn’t learn his lesson the first time and this time he killed people. It’s not a “mistake” as some therapist kept calling it, it’s not a road problem and it surely isn’t a kids shouldn’t be out at night problem, which for some reason people like to spout off about…no it’s none of these,It’s a choice!!! And a horribly stupid, irresponsible choice that should cost him his life in return!!! So tired of everyone making excuses and not taking responsibility. Grow up and make the right choice. Just stay home and drink and be able to enjoy another day free and without guilt for what you have done the next morning.
Sorry for the hostility but I’ve lost a family member to the same bs and it never gets easier when it’s an act that is repeated time and time again.
To the community and the families I offer my sincerest condolences for your loss, this should never have happened.
To the three boys, I know you feel no pain or hurt looking down from the heavens and this brings comfort, but know you will be missed and never forgotten. Rest In Peace and soar with winds!!
Really we are blaming the road and lack of lighting?!! Seriously?!! No, I’m sorry but this is bs. The only reason these innocent kids are no longer walking this earth is because an adult decided it was a good idea to drink and drive. Get drunk all you want you are an adult but the second you drive you are a pos!! And a repeat offender at that!!! So apparently he didn’t learn his lesson the first time and this time he killed people. It’s not a “mistake” as some therapist kept calling it, it’s not a road problem and it surely isn’t a kids shouldn’t be out at night problem, which for some reason people like to spout off about…no it’s none of these,It’s a choice!!! And a horribly stupid, irresponsible choice that should cost him his life in return!!! So tired of everyone making excuses and not taking responsibility. Grow up and make the right choice. Just stay home and drink and be able to enjoy another day free and without guilt for what you have done the next morning.
Sorry for the hostility but I’ve lost a family member to the same bs and it never gets easier when it’s an act that is repeated time and time again.
To the community and the families I offer my sincerest condolences for your loss, this should never have happened.
To the three boys, I know you feel no pain or hurt looking down from the heavens and this brings comfort, but know you will be missed and never forgotten. Rest In Peace and soar with winds!!
Rest in peace little guys and deepest condolences to the families
Prayers to the family of the 3 boys. God is never far from the broken hearted.
Rest in peace little guys and deepest condolences to the families
Prayers to the family of the 3 boys. God is never far from the broken hearted.
I think all the people involved in that crash should be charged.. not only Todd.. As they all got in with a drunk driver also for leaving the scene right after it happened. R.i.p to the 3 angels ❤️.
I think all the people involved in that crash should be charged.. not only Todd.. As they all got in with a drunk driver also for leaving the scene right after it happened. R.i.p to the 3 angels ❤️.
It is called self rejection by one’s actions to become self centred on alcohol and have no recollection of drinking and driving. These incriminations upheave ones whole world. The young person may not ever be able to understand why it would take three or more lives for ones sobriety in one instant of fate gone wrong. Forgive the young person’s trespasses. May the Creator carry the young person through and help him understand to live by the actions that he has to live and carry through. My heartfelt sympathy to the all families. Wachay. Thank you for reading.
It is called self rejection by one’s actions to become self centred on alcohol and have no recollection of drinking and driving. These incriminations upheave ones whole world. The young person may not ever be able to understand why it would take three or more lives for ones sobriety in one instant of fate gone wrong. Forgive the young person’s trespasses. May the Creator carry the young person through and help him understand to live by the actions that he has to live and carry through. My heartfelt sympathy to the all families. Wachay. Thank you for reading.
Oh maybe it was because of residential….or maybe we could let him relax at a healing lodge with 3 meals a day….. anyway it’s probably not his fault he killed 3 youngsters…isn’t that what us native people do?…blame others
Wow your comments are not even necessary for this situation!!! NOONE even mentioned residential school!! Give your head a shake!
Dear Pete, hopefully you or your family will never have to know the full reality of cultural traumatizing by a national government. We do not expect you to understand and do not expect or want your sympathy. But if you are native, that’s as low as you can get. You have some deep issues and maybe you need a sweat lodge or nature fast, heck.. go out into the arctic and spend some time in an igloo. Fix yourself before karma dose.
Your an ignorant person’ you have barely said anything of relevance but yet it speaks volumes about how dumb you are as a person.
You are so negative, you don’t show any sympathy, everyone is hurting in the community. Just try and be compassionate, you never know. I lost a child in a car accident too…..and there was no alcohol involved..Sonething to ponder on and have a nice evening, and may god bless too❤️
Why are you even commenting. People are in mourning. You are what’s wrong with today’s people. Shame on you.
pete you are not native
True..blame the evil gravel.
Omg what a tragedy! Sending strength, love and my sympathies to the families of the young boys…Rest easy little ones
Oh maybe it was because of residential….or maybe we could let him relax at a healing lodge with 3 meals a day….. anyway it’s probably not his fault he killed 3 youngsters…isn’t that what us native people do?…blame others
Wow your comments are not even necessary for this situation!!! NOONE even mentioned residential school!! Give your head a shake!
Dear Pete, hopefully you or your family will never have to know the full reality of cultural traumatizing by a national government. We do not expect you to understand and do not expect or want your sympathy. But if you are native, that’s as low as you can get. You have some deep issues and maybe you need a sweat lodge or nature fast, heck.. go out into the arctic and spend some time in an igloo. Fix yourself before karma dose.
Your an ignorant person’ you have barely said anything of relevance but yet it speaks volumes about how dumb you are as a person.
You are so negative, you don’t show any sympathy, everyone is hurting in the community. Just try and be compassionate, you never know. I lost a child in a car accident too…..and there was no alcohol involved..Sonething to ponder on and have a nice evening, and may god bless too❤️
Why are you even commenting. People are in mourning. You are what’s wrong with today’s people. Shame on you.
pete you are not native
True..blame the evil gravel.
This guy should get at least 10 years per child. Even if he gets manslaughter. I would throw any book at him .
Praying for these boys on their journey home, for their families and their community! ❤
Omg what a tragedy! Sending strength, love and my sympathies to the families of the young boys…Rest easy little ones
This guy should get at least 10 years per child. Even if he gets manslaughter. I would throw any book at him .
Praying for these boys on their journey home, for their families and their community! ❤