RCMP respond to Red Pheasant’s concerns in homicide investigation
The Saskatchewan RCMP responded with a statement Friday to Red Pheasant Cree Nation’s concerns that allege the RCMP acted too late, related to the discovery of a suspected homicide earlier in the week.
Chief Clint Wuttunee and Red Pheasant Council said in a statement distributed by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) March 9 they are “saddened by the tragic loss of a young man from our community,” also noting the trauma to the family and community. The release went on to say that “proactive involvement by RCMP could have prevented this unnecessary death,” and that despite previous pleas for earlier involvement to assist in relation to gang and drug violence, “the RCMP become involved when it is too late.”
Major Crimes Unit began investigating the death of a deceased 21-year-old male this week after his body was found on a roadway in the Cree Nation on Sunday. Reportedly there was an argument at a residence where the man had then left after being fatally injured. The incident is still under investigation and an increased police presence in the community continues.
Red Pheasant council also took issue with the victim’s body being visible for several hours, which they said traumatized many children and families unnecessarily. They added that this wouldn’t have occurred off-reserve.