REGINA - Update, Feb. 20, 9:13 a.m.: Saskatchewan RCMP has charged a 15-year-old male youth with four counts of first-degree murder, in relation to the deaths of Tracey Hotomani, Sheldon Quewezance, Shauna Fay and Terry Jack.
The male youth was arrested by Saskatchewan RCMP on Feb. 18 on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.
Police say they will not be able to identify the youth as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The youth is scheduled to appear via phone in Regina Provincial Court on Feb. 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Original post, Feb. 19, 4:55 p.m.: Two individuals have been arrested in connection to the quadruple-homicide on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation on Feb. 4.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Branch announced Wednesday they have located and arrested 18-year-old Darrius Racette in Yorkton on Feb. 18. Racette is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of Tracey Hotomani, Sheldon Quewezance, Shauna Fay and Terry Jack. He has made his first appearance in provincial court in Yorkton.
As well, RCMP say a youth has been arrested on Carry the Kettle and police say it is anticipated charges will be laid against that individual later today. The individual's identity cannot be shared under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
"Today, we are able to announce that arrests have been made in relation to this ongoing investigation," said RCMP F Division Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore. "I'm incredibly proud of the work that has been done by our officers and the partner agencies that we worked with. I understand that from the outside it may seem like this wasn't a quick resolution, but I think it's important for the public to realize investigations like this are incredibly complex. They take time and diligence on the part of police. Our investigators have to be incredibly thorough, not only to be able to enact an arrest, but to ensure the work that they have done supports a successful prosecution of the accused."
Blackmore shared some details about the investigation and about some of the decisions made. She noted that as the investigation unfolded, it was "determined that the residence where the homicides took place had been targeted and that it was not a random act of violence."
"As such, we did not believe there to be an imminent risk to general public safety and did not proceed with issuing an emergency alert."
Blackmore added that their investigators "then focused on identifying the suspect or suspects responsible and determining a possible motive."
"We owe it to those who rely on us as their Provincial Police Service to be meticulous and exhaustive in our efforts. I am confident that is what has happened in this instance and that is why we're here and able to provide you with new information today."
Inspector Ashley St. Germaine provided details of the investigational update. She addressed speculation on whether the individual identified as a suspect in a separate firearms-related incident on Zagime Anishinabek was responsible for the homicides. It was confirmed the separate incident was determined to be unrelated.
However, St. Germaine noted the two incidents occurred on the same day within close time and proximity to one another.
"The RCMP communicated the two incidents together as we wanted to warn the people living in those areas to be aware of any potential threats and to remain vigilant while the investigations unfolded. We did not publicly identify a suspect in relation to the homicides on Carrie the Kettle Nakoda Nation at that time. We understand how the conclusion may have been drawn. However, we want to remind the public that police investigations take time and are often incredibly complex, with lots of new information being gathered rapidly. When we have updates relating to investigations that we're able to release publicly, we ensure that we do that in a timely manner. We thank the public for their cooperation and patience as these investigations were conducted."
Further updates will be provided as more details are released.
