REGINA — The majority of Saskatchewan RCMP homicide investigations in 2025 led to charges, with investigators laying charges in nearly 70 per cent of homicide files, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes Branch reports.
The branch investigated 34 manslaughter and murder files with 40 victims in 2025, according to a news release sent out by the RCMP Tuesday.
Thirty-two files, with 35 victims, occurred in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. Teams also investigated two files, with five victims, in File Hills First Nations Police Service (FHFNPS) jurisdiction. Saskatchewan RCMP was engaged to take full carriage of the investigations as FHFNPS does not have a homicide investigation unit.
Twenty-three of these homicides were solved and 30 individuals are charged in relation to them. Investigators laid:
- eight first-degree murder charges;
- 18 second-degree murder charges; and
- four manslaughter charges.
Eleven files remain under investigation.
The Saskatchewan RCMP’s Homicide Investigation Unit (HIU), part of the Major Crimes Branch, is responsible for investigating homicides. They are regularly assisted by experienced investigators from the Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) and Historical Case Unit (HCU).
“Our investigators bring the experience and knowledge necessary to determine what happened, support those affected, and find answers for victims’ loved ones,” says Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, acting officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes Branch.
“The public often hears about the beginning and the end of homicide investigations. What they may not know about is the work that goes on in between. Homicide investigations require extensive collaboration across the RCMP, including among specialized investigators, frontline officers, and support personnel.”
While HIU, SCU and HCU take carriage of and assist with homicide investigations, investigators also rely on support from specialized units and frontline officers.
During any investigation, homicide investigators can enlist assistance from Saskatchewan RCMP’s:
- Forensic Identification Services;
- Police Dog Services;
- Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Teams;
- Crime Reduction Teams;
- Underwater Recovery Team;
- Emergency Response Team;
- Truth Verification Section; and
- Digital Forensics Services.
Investigators are also assisted by RCMP officers specializing in surveillance, undercover and covert operations, behavioural scientists and experts, criminal intelligence analysts, frontline officers at detachments across the province, and RCMP officers across the country.
Unsolved files still under investigation
Investigators continue work on the files that have not yet been brought to charge. Unsolved files remain active, with investigators pursuing leads, collecting and analyzing evidence, reviewing information, and taking steps to advance the investigation.
“An unsolved case is not a cold case,” says Insp. St. Germaine. “Much of the work involved in these long-term investigations happens outside of public view.”
“Every step taken in an investigation is done carefully and strategically, to protect its integrity and move the case forward. Often this means details can’t be shared publicly, but work continues behind the scenes.”
Saskatchewan RCMP investigates 21 homicides in first half of 2026
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes Branch has investigated 21 homicide files, with 21 victims, in 2026 so far. This is compared to 16 homicide files with 19 victims at the same time in 2025.
Twenty homicides have occurred in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction (compared to 14 this time last year). One homicide occurred in File Hills First Nations Police Service jurisdiction; Saskatchewan RCMP took full carriage of the investigation.
Fifteen of the homicides in 2026 have been brought to charge, while six remain under investigation.
This media release is part of the RCMP’s annual statistics series. To read more visit: Saskatchewan RCMP annual crime statistics and yearly trends | Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
