ESTERHAZY – After recently releasing sketches of three suspects involved in a homicide that sent another person to hospital, police say they have no further updates just yet.
“We do not have any updates to provide in relation to descriptors or identities of the suspects,” said RCMP in a news release. “The investigation is ongoing - this includes investigators conducting interviews, collecting and analyzing evidence and surveillance footage. If and when we do have updates, we will notify the public and our media partners.”
Police were able to confirm that the woman also injured during the home invasion was able to leave hospital today.
“We can also advise the adult female victim has been released from hospital,” said RCMP. “The victim has been identified as a 34-year-old male from the RM of Fertile Belt.”
Investigators have received multiple tips regarding the case, and also questions why an AMBER Alert was not issued.
“The Saskatchewan RCMP’s decision to issue a civil emergency alert for a dangerous person is situationally based,” RCMP explained. “Not every homicide or serious investigation will result in an emergency alert being issued. Specific criteria – like that for an AMBER Alert – are challenging to define, because every situation and investigation is unique and varies greatly.”
In general, investigators consider “if there is an imminent ability, intent and means for someone to cause serious/significant bodily harm or death to others.”
Another consideration is providing the best instructions for how the public can respond safely, such as sheltering in place. Factors also change as an event is unfolding, necessitating a change in response from emergency personnel responding.
“When the Feb. 10 homicide occurred in the Stockholm/Esterhazy area, specific suspect information nor vehicle descriptions were available,” RCMP said. “Given these factors, we have to consider: where would an emergency alert be issued and what would we ask the public to look for? Police officers physically attended individual residences in the vicinity of this incident shortly after it occurred to confirm the well-being of others in the area and notify them about the incident.”
A media release was issued at 8:23 a.m. on Feb. 10, and once suspect sketches were ready on Feb. 12, they were also dispersed.
Police continue to advise anyone with information regarding this crime to call their local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
This story has been updated to correct the headline to indicate a woman was injured. Police have not said how she was injured.
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