REGINA – A suspect into the 2006 murder case of 19-year-old Misha Pavelick is now before the court system.
RCMP held a special news conference today, officially announcing the arrest of a 34-year-old Regina man that occurred on June 24.
“Since the accused was a youth at the time of his offence, we are unable to release his name,” said Sergeant Major Darryl Milo, Officer in Charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Historical Case Unit.
The man made his first appearance by telephone at Regina Provincial Court on the morning of June 26, and at that time, the Crown stated they were opposed to his release. However, Sergeant Major Milo confirmed that he is no longer in custody. Members of the Pavelick family could be seen in the gallery for the initial court appearance. While SASKTODAY.ca cannot name the individual charged in this murder, he will be appearing in Regina Provincial Youth Court on July 17.
On May 21, 2006, Pavelick was attending a grad party at Kinookimaw Beach on Last Mountain Lake. It was during that gathering that Pavelick was stabbed to death, and for 17 years, nobody had answers as to why.
“It was a grad party, it was night, there were several people there, I think well in excess of 100 or more,” Sergeant Major Milo said, painting a picture of why people may not have come forward until now with information. “Age probably played a factor as well. When you’re 17, 18, friendship is more important than anything. As people get older, priorities in life change - experiences change them. I think that was ultimately what brought us here today.”
He would not disclose what motivated the senseless killing of the teen, rather explaining that that and other details “will come out during the court case.”
RCMP have conducted more than 200 witness interviews as part of their investigation, and launched a “first ever” podcast for the police force, which in itself garnered more public attention.
While police do have a large amount of evidence and information, the investigation continues into the Pavelick murder, and Sergeant Major Milo asked for anyone with information to share it with police,
“What I hope is that this encourages people to speak up,” he said.
Lorne Pavelick - Misha’s father - represented the family; the relief strong on his face as he spoke during the news conference at RCMP Headquarters in Regina,
“6,246 sounds like a large number,” he said. “Well, 6,246 is the days between Misha’s death and today.”
Lorne also commended the tireless effort of all police units involved, especially noting the ongoing communication with the family.
“They never stopped communicating with us, sharing what they could,” he said, emphasizing the motto “together we can.”
Sergeant Major Milo reflected those sentiments, sharing how the Pavelick family has also assisted police during the lengthy investigation.
“I cannot begin to imagine how difficult these last 17 years have been as you waited for answers following the tragic loss of Misha,” he told Lorne Pavelick. “Thank you. Your strength and cooperation over these years has been integral throughout this process.”
As for closure, that point may not quite be realized - but it is close for the family.
“We, the family, realize this is not the end - just the beginning of the end,” Lorne Pavelick said. “And it renews our hope for justice for our dear Misha.”
There are currently 162 active files with the Historical Case Unit, 90 of which are either homicides or missing persons cases.
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