'She only saw the good in people': 18-year-old Wolseley, Sask., shooting victim mourned

Wolseley, Sask., residents are mourning the death of community member shot dead on her 18th birthday.

An RCMP news release says officers from the Indian Head detachment responding to a shooting at a home in Wolseley around 4 a.m. CST on Sunday. They found Windigo injured and she was pronounced dead by EMS at the scene.

In a post on Facebook, Keilia's mother Kristen Windigo described her daughter as a beacon of hope, strength and positivity.

"Keilia was such an amazing daughter, sister, cousin, niece, granddaughter, great granddaughter. She loved everyone and never had even the littlest ounce of hate in her heart. You could do her wrong and she would forgive you that very moment," Kristen wrote.

"She only saw the good in people, everyone was a diamond in her eyes. Keilia was full of so much life, so much joy and happiness. She brought happiness and comfort into every room she entered."

RCMP say a youth has been charged with manslaughter in Keilia's death. Saskatchewan's provincial court confirmed that the accused is a 17-year-old male. As a youth, he cannot be named.

Gerald Hill, mayor of the town of Wolseley, confirmed Keila was shot while celebrating her 18th birthday.

Hill said the death has shaken the town.

"My first thoughts are shock, disbelief. I can't understand why and what happened. It just absolutely makes me feel ill," Hill said.

"I can't wrap my head around it, and I know a lot of other people can't. It doesn't feel real."

Gerald Hill, mayor of the town of Wolseley, said the death has shook the town, which has rarely seen incidents like this. (Germain Wilson/CBC)

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the family with funeral and living expenses, as they are not allowed back into their home until police are done at the scene, Kristen said.

RCMP said in their news release that the teen accused, who is from Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, faces 10 charges:

• One count of manslaughter with firearm.

• One count of possession of a firearm while knowing it's unauthorized.

• One count of pointing a firearm.

• One count of possession of a loaded restricted firearm without a licence.

• Six counts of weapons possession contrary to order.

The accused appeared in Regina provincial court on Monday and is scheduled to make his next appearance in Fort Qu'Appelle on Thursday, according to the provincial court.