The family of a First Nations woman who died at the hands of a Winnipeg serial killer hopes a special court hearing will help them heal and move on almost a year after the trial.

The family of 30-year-old Ashlee Shingoose, who was identified in March as the unknown victim in the case, will have the chance to give victim impact statements in court on Aug. 15.

"We hope that this special hearing not only brings some measure of peace to our family, but also affirms the dignity and humanity of Ashlee, who was a beloved daughter, relative and community member of the St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation," the family said in a statement Thursday.

Manitoba Court of King's Bench agreed to a Crown request for the hearing, saying in a statement it's "both appropriate and necessary in these exception

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