WEYBURN – Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes is investigating a suspicious death after a woman was fatally shot while travelling on Highway 39 northwest of Weyburn on Friday evening.
On Sept. 12, shortly after 8 p.m., RCMP received a report of a person who was seriously injured in a SUV traveling on Highway 39 approximately three kilometers northwest of Weyburn near the Richardson Pioneer/Viterra grain terminals/elevators.
The police investigation has determined two adult females were traveling together in a black Ford Explorer on Highway 39, driving towards Weyburn. A loud crack was heard and investigation to date indicates someone discharged a firearm, which struck and entered the travelling Ford Explorer, injuring the passenger, a 44-year-old female from Weyburn.
The female died at the scene and it was determined she had been shot. Her death is considered suspicious and Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes is now investigating. The victim’s family has been notified.
The adult female driver of the SUV, also from the Weyburn area, is not considered a suspect and is not in police custody. The two women were the only vehicle occupants.
At this time, investigation indicates this incident may be random in nature.
“We understand the current circumstances of this investigation may cause concern, particularly for locals and those who travel on Highway 39,” says Inspector Ashley St. Germaine of the RCMP Major Crimes Branch.
“At this point, we are asking the public to think back to last night and if you were driving on Highway 39 or northwest of Weyburn around 8 p.m., please report any suspicious people, vehicles or activity to police. If you saw a black Ford Explorer around that time, please contact police with any information. Was someone target practicing in the area? Was another vehicle driving erratically on that road? Please call investigators so we can determine if the information you have may assist us in this investigation.”
We are asking the pubic to remain vigilant, such as farmers who may be working late in the field right now. Lock your vehicle doors and remove the keys. At this time, no other reports of suspicious activity or people have been reported to Weyburn RCMP that would be considered connected to this incident. RCMP are carefully monitoring this unfolding investigation and if an urgent public safety risk is identified, we will notify the public immediately.
If you have information to share, please call 911 in an emergency or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies. If you have information you want to report anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Highway 39 is now open to motorists. There will be an increased police presence through the weekend in the Weyburn area. RCMP Major Crimes continues to investigate in conjunction with Weyburn RCMP Detachment and RCMP Forensic Identification Services. RCMP say Weyburn Police Service also assisted.
