The Keeley Lake Lodge case court hearing was held on April 28, 2023 @2:00pm at the Provincial Court in Saskatoon. I sat attentively, paying close attention to the proceedings. Timothy Cimmer was seated near the front with Grant Scharfstein, lawyer for the Niessners, seated to his right. Mr. Cimmer’s lawyer, Tony Merchant, joined via Webex. Around 1:52pm Mr. Cimmer spoke openly in the courtroom before the case proceeded. I listened in awe when Mr. Cimmer expressed some emotions regarding his parents and the whole community at keeley lake being majorly affected by this case. Mr. Cimmer described the situation as “heart-wrenching,” and he was visibly upset as he spoke of the effects this case has had on his family, friends and community. His statement was powerful, and I could tell it meant a lot to him personally. I was taken aback by Mr. Scharfstein’s reaction. He silently laughed to himself and his lack of empathy and disrespect for Mr. Cimmer’s heartfelt words made me sick to my stomach.
I have been invested in the case and have spent days reading all the evidence from the past 7 years. As the proceedings went on, it became even clearer to me that my initial view of the case was the correct one. While Tony Merchant defended his clients’ case, Grant Scharftein turned to Mr. Cimmer and smirked with a smug look on his face. This was highly unprofessional and inexcusable; it demonstrated a complete lack of respect for Mr. Cimmer’s passion for justice and his commitment to the case. Before the court was adjourned, Mr. Cimmer quickly stood up and pleaded with the judge to take a very close look at the evidence before making his final decision. Mr. Cimmer’s passionate plea was clearly heartfelt. His words resonated throughout the courtroom, bringing silence and respect for the situation.
As Mr. Cimmer walked away, I could sense the weight of the circumstances on his shoulders. I sat silently at the back watching everyone clear out. I disagreed with Grant Scharfstein’s decision to call security, as I felt Mr. Cimmer’s outburst was not an issue that required such a response. As Mr. Scharfstein passed by me I heard him quietly call Mr. Cimmer and I quote “he is just crazy”. His words were dismissive and I felt they were inappropriate given the situation. It is now up to the judge to make the just decision in this case, and I am hopeful that he will make the right one. In the end, it was clear that Mr. Cimmer was pleading for justice and fairness, not for revenge or retribution.
