On February 14, 2023, La Loche RCMP received a report of a missing 34-year-old male, Nathan Piche. Officers immediately began efforts to locate the male, who was last seen on February 12, 2023 in the Garson Lake area.
On February 17, 2023, the male was located deceased, approximately one kilometre from where he was last seen.
La Loche RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigated the circumstances of Nathan Piche's death, with assistance from Saskatchewan RCMP's Forensic Identification Services and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.
On March 3, 2023, investigators arrested an adult male in connection with this investigation. Shortly after, the male indicated he was in acute medical distress. Officers transported him to hospital. While there, the male attempted to assault the police officers that were accompanying him. Further investigation determined the male was not in acute medical distress.
As a result of continued investigation, 28-year-old Clayton Fontaine from La Loche is charged with:
- one count, criminal negligence causing death, Section 220, Criminal Code;
- one count, assault police officer with weapon, Section 270.01, Criminal Code; and
- one count, assault police officer, Section 270(1), Criminal Code.
He was scheduled to appear in Meadow Lake Provincial Court on March 6, 2023.
As a result of further investigation, 35-year-old Erica Herman, from Janvier, AB was charged with one count, criminal negligence causing death, Section 220, Criminal Code. A warrant was issued for her arrest. She was located and arrested by Wood Buffalo RCMP in Janvier on March 6, 2023.
Arrangements are being made for her return to Saskatchewan. Her court date is pending.