Update #1: La Ronge RCMP investigating serious firearms-related incident

June 6, 2023
Bird Place in Bell's Point, Saskatchewan

News release

Images

Dennis Charles is described as approximately 5'5
Celine Charles is described as approximately 5'5
Brandon Keighley is described as approximately 5'9

La Ronge RCMP continues to investigate the circumstances of the serious firearms-related incident that occurred in La Ronge on June 4, 2023.

Investigation to date has determined two adult males and one adult female approached a residence on Bird Place. A firearm was discharged toward the residence, striking it. The males and female then forced their way inside and a firearm was discharged again. Two adult male occupants of the residence were injured as a result and the suspects fled on foot.

La Ronge RCMP received multiple reports of shots fired relating to this incident. Officers immediately responded to the residence, found evidence of an injury, but did not locate any injured individuals.

Investigators determined the two adult male victims were transported to hospital in a private vehicle. Officers attended the hospital and located the males, who were receiving medical treatment, and the vehicle. Officers located and seized approximately 103 grams of cocaine, a sum of cash and trafficking paraphernalia in the vehicle.

Officers searched for the suspects and executed a search warrant at the residence on Bird Place. They located and seized a semi-automatic firearm, an illegally-modified firearm, hard body armour, a small amount of cocaine and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

As a result of investigation into the cocaine and firearms seized in the vehicle and at the residence, 23-year-old Desirae McKenzie from Prince Albert, 35-year-old Wolfgang McKenzie from La Ronge District and 22-year-old Kevin Keenatch from Saskatoon are each charged with:

  • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • two counts, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 91(3), Criminal Code;
  • two counts, possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized, Section 92(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
  • three counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code.

They are scheduled to appear in La Ronge Provincial Court on June 8, 2023.

As a result of investigation into the firearms incident, 21-year-old Dennis Charles, 22-year-old Celine Charles and 22-year-old Brandon Keighley, all from La Ronge, are each charged with:

  • one count, attempted murder, Section 239(1)(a), Criminal Code;
  • one count, conspiracy to commit murder, Section 465(1)(a), Criminal Code;
  • one count, break and enter, Section 348(1)(a), Criminal Code;
  • one count, use a firearm in the commission of an offence, Section 85(1)(a), Criminal Code;
  • three counts, discharge firearm with intent, Section 244, Criminal Code;
  • one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;
  • one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code;
  • three counts, point a firearm, Section 87, Criminal Code.

Warrants have been issued for their arrests and La Ronge RCMP are actively working to locate them. Investigators ask members of the public to report all sightings and information on their whereabouts directly to police.

Dennis Charles is described as approximately 5'5" and 160 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes. He has numerous tattoos, including one on his cheek.

Celine Charles is described as approximately 5'5" and 110 lbs. She has black hair and brown eyes. She has small tattoos over her eyebrow and on her cheek.

Brandon Keighley is described as approximately 5'9" and 150 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes.

If you see Dennis Charles, Celine Charles or Brandon Keighley, do not approach them. Contact your local police service of jurisdiction immediately. Dial 310-RMCP to reach your local RCMP detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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Backgrounder

La Ronge RCMP investigating serious firearms-related incident

2023-06-06

On June 4, 2023 at approximately 7:30 p.m., La Ronge RCMP received a report of a shooting at a residence on Bird Place in Bell's Point.

Investigation determined a firearm was discharged at the residence and two male occupants, both adults, were injured. They were transported to the hospital in a personal vehicle and treated for injuries described as serious in nature.

The suspects are described as two males and one female, all in their 20s.

La Ronge RCMP immediately began searching for the suspects. The investigation continues with the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP's Police Dog Services, Emergency Response Team, Forensic Identification Services and General Investigation Section.

Investigation has determined this incident was targeted. If an elevated risk to public safety is identified, Saskatchewan RCMP will notify the public. Updates on this investigation will be provided when available.

Anyone with information on this incident should report it immediately to La Ronge RCMP at 306-425-6730. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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