SASKATCHEWAN – Saskatchewan is seeing a disturbing surge in homicides, with three murders investigated by Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes over a mere two-day period last weekend in North Battleford, Prince Albert, and Esterhazy.
The latest murders add to the grim tally of 15 homicides recorded in the province so far this year.
“A cluster of homicides like Saskatchewan experienced this weekend is unfortunately no longer an anomaly,” said Supt. Joshua Graham, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “There have been seven homicides in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction in the last 30 days alone.
“Should this trend continue, Saskatchewan will experience another record number of homicides for the fourth consecutive year,” he added.
Police are now grappling with the alarming frequency of such heinous crimes.
“Our Major Crimes investigators have been taxed heavily with investigating these new homicides and managing an ever-increasing workload as they continue to work on previous homicides," said Supt. Graham. "This workload greatly impacts the well-being our investigators, who are committed to finding justice for victims of homicides and closure for their families. The Saskatchewan RCMP is able to respond to these homicides due to the professionalism, resilience, flexibility and dedication of these Major Crimes investigators.”
Arrests have been made in 13 of the 15 homicides reported in 2023. Investigators laid charges in seven homicides within the first 24 hours of investigation, and within the first week of investigation on four additional homicides. In total, 17 people – 12 adults and five youth – have been charged in relation to a 2023 homicide.
No one has been charged yet in the murders of Kaylee Crookedneck in North Battleford on June 16 and Dalton Linklater in Pelican Narrows on Jan. 11.
RCMP Major Crimes investigators also continue to work to identify and arrest additional suspects in some 2023 homicides. This includes the February 2023 homicide in Esterhazy/Stockholm.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigates all homicides in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. They investigate until those responsible are charged, or all investigational avenues have been depleted.
If you have information that may help Major Crimes solve a homicide, report it to your local police of jurisdiction. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or .
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