On Thursday, June 4, 2020, at approximately 2:30 p.m., North Battleford RCMP, North Battleford Fire Department and local EMS received the report of a residential structural fire on the 1400 block of 99th Street in North Battleford. All emergency responders arrived on scene within minutes.
Upon arrival, emergency responders located a 39-year-old female deceased, outside the residence. It was reported to police that the female was removed from the residence by her common-law partner, who arrived at the residence moments before the emergency responders. The fire was isolated to the basement area, but there was smoke throughout the entire residence. Once firefighters were able to gain entry into the residence, a 7-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy were also located deceased.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit South (MCU-S) assumed carriage of the investigation due to the injuries observed on the adult female at the time she was located.
The investigation over the past week has been extensive. Officers have conducted over 30 interviews in addition to several neighbourhood inquiries from residents living in close proximity to the residence. The scene of the fire has been examined. Forensic autopsies were conducted on June 8 and 9, 2020.
MCU-S was assisted by the North Battleford RCMP, RCMP North Battleford Forensic Identification Services, RCMP General Investigation Services, North Battleford Fire Department, Fire Investigators from Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, and the Saskatchewan Coroner's Service.
After extensive investigation of the evidence gathered to date, RCMP believe this incident was the result of a murder-suicide. The 39-year-old female was identified as Tammy Fiddler, who was responsible for the death of her two children: 7-year-old Tessa and 11-year-old Wesley Bryant.
Our thoughts are with the surviving members of the family and we continue to provide as much assistance as we can through our Victim Services Unit. Please be advised, the family has requested privacy from any media inquiries. Any media inquiries in relation to this incident can be directed to our Media Relations Unit.
The investigation is ongoing.