NORTH BATTLEFORD – Second update April 23, 2025, 9:20 a.m.: As a result of continued investigation, on April 11, 2025, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes arrested a man in relation to the death of 63-year-old Pearl Benson from Red Pheasant First Nation. The adult male was arrested at a correctional centre in Manitoba.
Resulting from further investigation, 22-year-old Billy Leon from Toronto, Ont., is charged with one count, second-degree murder and one count, fail to comply with release order conditions.
Leon is scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on April 24, 2025.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes continue to investigate.
Update Oct. 17, 2024, 4:04 p.m.: Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes are investigating a suspicious death in North Battleford.
On Oct. 16, 2024 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report that someone had been seriously injured outside a business on the 900 block of 101 Street in North Battleford.
Officers responded immediately along with local EMS. An adult female was transported to hospital and later declared deceased. She has been identified as 63-year-old Pearl Benson from Red Pheasant First Nation. Her family has been notified.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes continues to investigate.
Anyone with information should contact Saskatchewan RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
There will be a continued increased police presence in the area as a result of this investigation.
Original post Oct. 17, 2024, 8:51 a.m.: RCMP say there is an increased police presence related to an ongoing investigation on the 900 block of 101st Street in North Battleford.
People are asked to avoid the area where officers are present and to follow any police direction provided.
RCMP say they will issue an update on the investigation as soon as they are able. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, they say, they will notify the public.