Update: Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigating homicide; increased police presence on Waterhen First Nation

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On November 12, 2022, Saskatchewan RCMP's North Battleford Crime Reduction Team travelled to the Meadow Lake area as part of continued work to locate and arrest a wanted male. Background is available here: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2022/beauval-rcmp-seeking-public-assistance-locating-wanted-male

Investigation determined the male was at residence in the Eagles Lake area. Officers located and arrested the wanted male there, as well as three other individuals who were wanted on warrants from the Saskatchewan RCMP.

At the same time, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes was separately investigating a homicide on Waterhen Lake First Nation. On November 15, 2022, those same four individuals arrested by the Crime Reduction Team were also charged by Major Crimes in relation to the death of 36-year-old Jeremy Ernest from Waterhen Lake First Nation.

Trevor Alexander, 31, of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation; Hanna Durocher, 28, of Eagles Lake; and Tyson Lasas, 34, of Waterhen Lake First Nation are each charged with one count of second degree murder, Section 235(1), Criminal Code.

Trevor Alexander has also been charged with one count of aggravated assault, Section 268(2), Criminal Code.

Tasha Opikokew, 23, of Battleford, SK is charged with one count, accessory after the fact, Section 240, Criminal Code.

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Backgrounder

Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigating homicide; increased police presence on Waterhen First Nation

2022-11-13

On November 12, 2022 at approximately 4:30 a.m., Meadow Lake RCMP responded to a report of an adult male in medical distress at a residence on Waterhen Lake First Nation.

Officers immediately responded and located an injured male in the residence. He was pronounced deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 36-year-old male from Waterhen Lake First Nation. His family has been notified and have been offered Victim Services. We are not releasing the victim's name at this time.

Saskatchewan RCMP's Major Crimes and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service have taken over the investigation into the male's death, which is being considered a homicide.

There will be an increased police presence on Waterhen Lake First Nation as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information, or anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious on the Waterhen Lake First Nation in the early morning hours of November 12, is asked to contact Meadow Lake RCMP by calling 306-236-2570 or their local police service. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.