‘More afraid’: Girl set on fire at Saskatoon school tells court how life has changed

SASKATOON — A teen who was set on fire by another student at a Saskatoon high school says she’s recovering but no longer wants to talk to people.

“I’m alive. I’m left-handed now,” the 16-year-old wrote in a victim impact statement read by her mother at a sentencing hearing Thursday.

“I’m more afraid of large crowds. I used to enjoy going to the (exhibition) and going on rides, but now I don’t want to be around people, especially strangers.”

She was 15 when a former friend splashed her with lighter fluid and set her ablaze in a hallway at Evan Hardy Collegiate in September 2024.

The 16-year-old offender, who was 14 at the time of the attack, pleaded guilty last year to attempted murder. She also pleaded guilty to unlawfully causing bodily harm to a teacher who rushed to the victim’s aid.

Neither the victim nor the attacker can be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Both Crown and defence lawyers recommended the maximum youth sentence of three years, with two years in intensive rehabilitative custody and one year in the community with supervision.

Justice Krista Zerr is scheduled to deliver her sentencing decision March 16. She told court she needs more time to reflect on the submissions.

Zerr asked the offender if she had anything to say about the crime. “This is your opportunity to speak,” the judge said.

The girl stood up and apologized.

“I know sorry is not enough, but it is how I truly feel. I am aware that everyone, or most of everyone, will not forgive me,” she said.

“The people here, family and friends, have every right to be upset. I will handle the consequences of my actions and accept of what will be given for me.”

Defence lawyer Fola Adelugba told court that her client had faced hardships at home. Her mother battled addictions and the girl was sexually abused when she was eight.

Adelugba said the girl has various psychological conditions, including early-onset schizophrenia, autism and pyromania.

Court heard the two girls started a friendship, but it spiralled into obsession and threats once the victim wanted to cut ties.

The victim said in her statement that she went through a lot of pain while recovering from severe burns.

“Getting back to school was difficult,” she wrote. “I started at a new school, so that means new people and new surroundings. It’s all very overwhelming.

“But getting into a routine once again is nice. I thought I have my career choices planned, but now they have to change.”

Her mother told the hearing that the burns caused 40 per cent of her daughter’s skin to peel off, requiring skin grafts.

While in hospital, 80 per cent of her body was covered in bandages, the mother said. The girl received about six surgeries in the first six weeks, and scars developed on her vocal cords.

She had to learn how to sit up and walk again. Her voice also changed.

“All she could do was whisper,” said the mother. “We are still haunted by her screams as her dressings were being changed, the fear in her eyes as she saw her skin for the first time, and then to see her face for the first time.”

The victim almost lost two fingers, the mother added, and doctors said they will able to rebuild a damaged ear.

Court heard the fire mangled the victim’s hands and face, leaving her hair “crispy.” Teachers used scissors to cut her melted backpack from her clothes.

The victim’s older brother, who also attended the school, said in his victim impact statement that he remembers seeing an orange glow in the hallway.

“Finding out that it was coming from my sister was horrific,” he wrote.

Court also heard that educational assistants were with the attacker before she barged by them and set the victim on fire.

One told court she wished she could have done more to help.

“I could have taken on the injuries myself, rather than this young girl with so much life ahead of her,” the woman said. “I truly hope they know how truly sorry I am.”

Court heard the victim’s parents had raised issues with the school about the offender’s behaviour. She was required to go through checks before entering the school.

An aunt told court the victim was vibrant and loved music but now struggles to play her guitar.

The mother said the family has endured financial hardship. They’re no longer able to work full time and have had to pay for travel to Edmonton, where the girl has received treatment.

The mother, who’s also an educational assistant, said she winces when she hears children cry or scream.

“If I could switch places with (my daughter), I would,” she said.

“It feels like the offender attacked the whole family … the ongoing anxiety. What will happen when the offender is no longer incarcerated?”

She said she worries her daughter will suffer mental trauma for the rest of her life.

“We’re so proud of our beautiful (daughter). She’s resilient, she has strength, she has courage. She is alive.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 26, 2026.

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press