Update: male charged in relation to August 2023 suspicious death

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As a result of continued investigation by Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes, an adult male was charged in connection to the August 2023 homicide of Phillip Okemow.

On November 1, 2023, with the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP's Prince Albert detachment, Prince Albert and Saskatoon Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Teams (WEST), Police Dog Services and Critical Incident Response Program, the adult male was arrested at a residence on Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

41-year-old Wesley Naytowhow from Sturgeon Lake First Nation is charged with one count, second degree murder, Section 235(1), Criminal Code.

He was also arrested on an outstanding warrant from Prince Albert RCMP for possession of stolen property over $5,000 and failure to appear in court.

He is scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court on November 3, 2023.

Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes continues to investigate.

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Backgrounder

Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigating suspicious death in Emma Lake

2023-08-22

On August 21, 2023 at approximately 10:20 a.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of an unresponsive male on MacIntosh Point in Emma Lake.

Officers immediately responded and located a deceased adult male in an outdoor location. He has been identified as 27-year-old Phillip Okemow from Sturgeon Lake First Nation. His family has been notified and Victim Services offered to them; our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

Based on information gathered to date, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes is investigating Philip's death as a homicide. Prince Albert RCMP Forensic Identification Services processed the scene and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service has conducted an autopsy.

Residents in the Emma Lake area may notice an increased police presence as the investigation continues. If an increased risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

Anyone with information about the circumstances surrounding Phillip's death, or who saw or had contact with him on the evening of August 20 or the early morning hours of August 21, should contact their local police of jurisdiction immediately. Dial 310-RCMP 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.