Jaclyn Elias leaves North Battleford Provincial Court in North Battleford on Feb. 10, 2026, during her trial involving allegations related to a Wilkie care home. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff) (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

CRIME

Wilkie care home abuse trial adjoured to July for closing arguments

Mar 2, 2026 | 5:03 PM

A former care worker accused of abusing vulnerable residents at a Wilkie group home will return to court this summer for closing arguments.

Jaclyn Elias is charged with assault, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon and uttering threats in connection with alleged incidents at Prairie Branches’ Wilkie Group Home No. 3.

Court heard the allegations relate to events said to have occurred between January 2023 and February 2024 at the home, which serves non-verbal residents requiring full-time care.

The trial in North Battleford Provincial Court heard testimony from four staff members.

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One co-worker told the court she witnessed what she described as inappropriate conduct during daily care routines, including allegations that a washcloth was placed in a resident’s mouth and that a resident was poked in the groin area with part of a mechanical lift. 

Another staff member testified she heard a resident make a distressed sound following Elias’s care.

The staff told court she was later informed the accused allegedly said to the resident, “Today is the day you’re going to die.” Under cross-examination, the witness agreed she did not personally see what occurred inside the room.

Elias took the stand in her own defence, denying intentional abuse. She rejected allegations of inappropriate touching and disputed claims she placed a washcloth in a resident’s mouth. She told court some comments referenced by witnesses were meant as jokes between staff.

The case has now been adjourned to July 29 in North Battleford Provincial Court for closing arguments.

Closing arguments mark the final stage of a trial, when lawyers for each side summarize the evidence and outline the legal principles they say support their case. 

The submissions are intended to persuade the judge before a verdict is rendered.

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com