On August 15, 2023, at approximately 11 p.m., Battlefords RCMP responded to the report of an assault on the 1100 block of 102nd Street in North Battleford. The adult male victim was treated on site by EMS for minor injuries. The investigation remained ongoing.
On August 16, 2023, at approximately 1 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a deceased male located in a vacant house on 1402 102nd Street in North Battleford. Upon arrival, officers confirmed the deceased was the same victim of assault which occurred the prior evening. The deceased has been identified as 37-year-old James Barbaric from North Battleford. His family has been notified and Victim Services has been engaged to provide support.
Battlefords RCMP secured the scene for further investigation. Due to the circumstances of the incident, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes was engaged and is now the lead investigative agency.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes is asking residents in the community, or anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of 1402 102nd Street in North Battleford between 10 p.m., on August 15, 2023 and 1 p.m., on August 16, 2023, to contact Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720 or your local police service. Investigators are also looking for any surveillance footage residents in the community may have in this time frame and location.
Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.