Second accused appears in Saskatoon court in Hailey Belanger-Weeseekase homicide

Another person accused of killing Hailey Belanger-Weeseekase has appeared in Saskatoon court, charged with second-degree murder.

Rene Merasty, 21, made a brief appearance via telephone before his case was adjourned to Aug. 11. He was charged Thursday while on remand at Saskatchewan Penitentiary for unrelated charges.

A Saskatoon police news release stated officers believe Merasty and Belanger-Weeseekase knew each other.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The 19-year-old victim was found dead on July 11. Police received a call about a woman dead inside a vehicle at an apartment in the 3700 block of Diefenbaker Drive.

According to family, Belanger-Weeseekase was involved in a gang but had goals and aspirations that included becoming a makeup artist or veterinarian.

Police have also charged a teen girl with second-degree murder in the death. Media cannot publish her name due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Members of the Saskatoon police major crime section continue to investigate.