Update: North Battleford RCMP continue to work diligently to determine the circumstances of the structure fire at an abandoned residence that occurred on January 19, 2021, and left one individual deceased. The residence was located north of the junction of Highways 687 and 378, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of North Battleford.
A forensic autopsy took place in Saskatoon on January 21, 2021. The scene of the incident was released at the conclusion of the autopsy.
North Battleford RCMP, with assistance from the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit-North and the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service, continue to work together to investigate the circumstances of the homicide and to confirm a positive identification of the human remains.
Based on initial information received and investigational work completed to date, North Battleford RCMP have reason to believe the human remains are that of a young, adult male.
North Battleford RCMP are renewing their plea to members of the public: if you have any information relating to this incident or if you saw any suspicious activity in the area between 6 and 10:30 p.m. on January 19, 2021, please come forward. You can contact the North Battleford RCMP by calling 306-446-1720 or your local police service to report information. You can also submit it anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
The investigation is ongoing.
Background: An unidentified person has died in the RM of North Battleford and police says it is being treated as a homicide.
On Jan. 19 at approximately 10:30 p.m., the North Battleford RCMP, RM of North Battleford Fire Department and local EMS responded to a structure fire in the RM of North Battleford. The location was an abandoned residence 2 km north of the junction of Highway 687 and 378, which is approximately 30 kilometers north east of the city of North Battleford, and south of the community of Whitkow.
Once the fire was suppressed and the scene could be examined human remains were located within the burned structure. The death is being treated as a homicide and identity of the deceased is currently unknown.
This investigation is in the preliminary stages and the RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance. If anyone has any information or observed suspicious activity in the area from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 19, they are urged to contact the North Battleford RCMP at 306 446-1720 or Saskatchewan Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
There will be increased police presence in the area. The North Battleford RCMP are being assisted by the RCMP Major Crimes Unit North, Forensic Identification services from North Battleford, Saskatchewan Coroners Service, and a Fire Investigator from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.
