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RCMP investigate infant death in Canora as a homicide

The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit South (MCU-S) continues to investigate the death of a male infant that occurred in Canora on Nov. 21, 2020.
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The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit South (MCU-S) continues to investigate the death of a male infant that occurred in Canora on Nov. 21, 2020.

Saskatchewan RCMP MCU-S investigators, with the assistance of Canora and Kamsack RCMP Detachments and the Yorkton RCMP Provincial General Investigation Section (GIS) have been working to determine the circumstances that led to the infant’s death. Police have completed numerous interviews and inquiries and have collected video surveillance from multiple locations to establish a clear timeline of the events on the day of his death. Police have also executed numerous warrants and conducted forensic examinations of multiple locations with assistance of the Yorkton RCMP Forensic Identification Services and the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service. 

Based on the information gathered to date, along with investigational assistance from the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service, the Yorkton RCMP GIS and RCMP detachments in Canora and Kamsack, the death of the infant is determined to be a homicide.

The victim has been identified as 21-month-old Lorenzo Cote from the Cote First Nation in Kamsack. The RCMP Victim Services Unit continues to be engaged.

The Saskatchewan RCMP MCU-S has made significant progress in this investigation and is encouraging the public to come forward with any information regarding the homicide, which occurred on Nov. 21, 2020, or any information that they believe could assist investigators.

Calls can be made to the RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267) or their local police service. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Background: On Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, shortly after 1 a.m., Canora RCMP received a call of a one-year-old male infant requiring urgent medical attention inside a residence located on the 200th block of Northern Avenue in Canora.

Upon arrival, police officers from the Canora RCMP Detachment located the infant and took over resuscitation efforts from the family on scene until EMS arrived. EMS continued resuscitation efforts, but was unsuccessful. The infant was pronounced deceased on scene by EMS.

Based on the nature of the injuries sustained by the infant and initial investigation by police, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit South (MCU-S) were called to assist and have taken carriage of the investigation. 

Saskatchewan RCMP MCU-S continue to investigate with assistance from RCMP detachments in Canora, Kamsack, and Yorkton; the Yorkton RCMP Forensic Identification Section; the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service; and an RCMP investigator from the Regina Children's Justice Centre.

An autopsy of the deceased was scheduled to take place in Saskatoon, SK, on November 23, 2020. Next of kin notifications were completed. RCMP Victim Services was engaged to provide the family with support. 

The investigation is ongoing.