Last week, Saskatchewan RCMP responded to three homicides in three days, highlighting a deadly trend across the province.
Through the first half of 2023, Saskatchewan RCMP has reported 15 homicides as of June 18.
That number increased by three from June 16 to June 18 after members of the Major Crimes attended homicide scenes in North Battleford, Prince Albert and Esterhazy.
Supt. Joshua Graham, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime, said there had been seven homicides in RCMP jurisdiction in the last 30 days.
“Should this trend continue, Saskatchewan will experience another record number of homicides for the fourth consecutive year,” he said. “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.”
“This workload greatly impacts the well-being of our investigators, who are committed to finding justice for victims of homicides and closure for their families,” he added. “The Saskatchewan RCMP is able to respond to these homicides due to the professionalism, resilience, flexibility and dedication of these Major Crimes investigators.”
Charges have been laid in 13 of the 15 homicides reported in 2023. In total, 17 people, 12 adults and five youths, have been charged concerning a 2023 homicide.
With two of those homicides remaining under investigation, the RCMP is asking for any additional information on the pair of homicides.
Police are still investigating the January 11th death of Dalton Linklater. RCMP say they were called in the early morning for reports of an injured man at a home in Pelican Narrows.
Officers found Linklater with a life-threatening injury. He was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after being brought to the hospital.
The second death is that of Kaylee Crookedneck in North Battleford.
Crookedneck was found around 11 p.m. on June 16, suffering from serious injuries just outside a residence on the 1400 block of 114th Street in North Battleford.
Officers provided first aid until paramedics arrived, but Crookedneck was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are also working to identify and arrest additional suspects in some 2023 homicides, including the February 2023 homicide in Esterhazy/Stockholm.
RCMP added that if a member of the public believes they have information that may help Major Crimes solve a homicide, report it to your local police of jurisdiction.
Information can be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.