Judge grants bail to sisters who say they were wrongfully convicted of murder

Two sisters who claim they were wrongfully convicted of murder 30 years ago have been granted bail and are being released from prison with conditions.

A Court of King’s Bench judge made the announcement Monday in Yorkton, saying Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance aren’t a risk to the public and he doesn’t believe they’ll leave town.

“Right now, I’m just overwhelmed and I just want to go be with my family; thank you,” Odelia told reporters after the decision was released. “I’m in shock — like, no emotions — but I always knew in my heart we’ll be free.”

The Quewezances were convicted of second-degree murder in the 1993 stabbing death of 70-year-old farmer Anthony Dolff near Kamsack, but have steadfastly maintained their innocence since their conviction.

Defence lawyers asked for the sisters to get a conditional release while their case is undergoing a federal conviction review.

The federal Ministry of Justice started the review last year, saying there may be a reasonable basis to conclude there was a miscarriage of justice.

The Crown prosecutor argued that even if there were issues with the police investigation, there was still enough evidence to show the sisters were involved in the killing.

Defence attorney James Lockyer has said the women are victims of racism in the justice system and false confessions. On Monday, he described their emotions.

“Nerissa was crying when she got here this morning and she was crying after court, and Odelia too,” Lockyer told reporters. “It’s obviously very emotional. Odelia can go back to living full time, all the time, with her two twin daughters.”

Crown prosecutor Kelly Kaip told reporters the farmer’s family was disappointed with the judge’s decision.

“It has been a really difficult 30 years and it’s been a really difficult last few months,” said Kaip, who added she’ll be reviewing the decision before deciding whether to take further steps

— With files from The Canadian Press