The Saskatoon Police Major Crime Section is investigating the city’s ninth homicide of 2024. The victim, a 30-year-old man, was initially transported to the hospital after an aggravated assault on April 15 but succumbed to his injuries this week. The incident occurred at a residence on Chandler Place. Witnesses reported an altercation outside another residence on the block. Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Human remains were discovered in a rural area northeast of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on April 28, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Moose Jaw RCMP. Investigators, including a forensic anthropologist and pathologist, have examined the remains and believe they have been at the location for at least a decade. The identity of the individual remains unknown. The investigation will consider historical missing persons cases in the area. The RCMP emphasizes that the death is not currently believed to be suspicious in nature. Police presence may be increased in the area as searches continue. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Regina Downtown Business Improvement District (RDBID) has proposed downtown vibrancy initiatives to enhance the city’s heart. The initiatives aim to create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for local businesses and patrons. Regina Mayor Sandra Masters emphasized the importance of investing in the downtown area, which generates approximately 10% of the city’s property tax revenue. The executive committee has approved a one-time grant of $500,000 to support the RDBID’s plans, including road and sidewalk maintenance, cleanliness improvements, murals, landscaping, and ongoing entertainment.
The Edmonton Police Service is investigating an assault that resulted in one person being hospitalized with life-threatening injuries early Friday morning. Officers responded to the scene at 118 Avenue and 90 Street around 6:30 a.m. where they found an unconscious man suffering from significant injuries. First responders immediately began lifesaving measures and the man was transported to hospital.
Across Saskatchewan, communities are marking Red Dress Day to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG). In Regina, events have been underway since Friday, including a Red Dress Day installation and an awareness walk. Four Directions Community Health Centre, in partnership with several organizations, hosted the walk, which emphasized the importance of remembering victims and supporting collective healing. Izzy Sunshine, a participant whose aunt faced a close call, shared her family’s experience and highlighted the ongoing safety concerns Indigenous women face. In Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Police Service held a Calling Home Ceremony, while the University of Saskatchewan hosted a Red Dress Day installation with hands-on activities. On Sunday, the official Red Dress Day, both Regina and Saskatoon will have various events, including a beading session, film screenings, and awareness walks. These events aim to honor the memory of MMIWG, raise awareness, and call for action to address the ongoing crisis.
A tragic discovery was made more than 12 weeks after a fire destroyed an apartment building in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona area: a man’s body was found in the rubble, leading to manslaughter charges against a suspect already accused of arson. Ricardo Olivares, 70, had been reported missing by his family after the fire on January 26, 2024, but his remains were only discovered during a further search of the wreckage on April 22. The cause of death has been determined to be smoke inhalation, and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide. The accused, 44-year-old Jason Murray Zabos, was initially charged with arson and other offenses and is now facing additional charges in connection with Olivares’ death.
The federal government, the Saskatchewan provincial government, and the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) have announced an investment of over $1.4 million for a study to implement Indigenous-led police services. The study will explore the feasibility of establishing culturally sensitive policing models in First Nations communities represented by the PAGC. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to enhance the safety and security of these communities.
Multiple arrests have been made in connection to the homicide of Surrey B.C. Gurdwara president Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down in June 2022. According to sources familiar with the matter, the suspects are Indian nationals who entered Canada on student visas and may have been working at the direction of Indian intelligence. The arrests were made by the RCMP on Friday morning, almost a year after Nijjar’s death. A press conference is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Friday by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and Surrey RCMP.
A fire that broke out in an apartment building in Bobcaygeon, Ontario, has displaced up to 30 tenants. The fire, which started around 4 p.m. on Thursday, spread through multiple units in the building, requiring additional fire crews to assist in extinguishing the blaze. No injuries have been reported, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation. City officials, victim services, and the Red Cross are providing assistance to those who have been displaced. Community organizations such as Bobcaygeon Helps and Knox Church are collecting donations of food, clothing, and other essential items for the affected tenants.
Neon Dreams, the Halifax-based alt-pop duo, has emerged victorious at the 2024 East Coast Music Awards in Charlottetown, claiming the coveted Album of the Year award for their album “Love Child Baby Dolphin.”
