Saskatchewan RCMP says that the deaths of two men and two women in carrying the Kettle Nakoda nation on Tuesday are considered homicides and may have been attacked.
On Tuesday, RCMP said the officers responded to a death report in the reserve, located about 80 kilometers east of Regina, at 11:15 am CST. They found four people dead in a house.
Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, a senior investigation officer from the main crimes unit, said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that RCMP was still working with the Saskatchewan coronant service to formally identify the victims, but He confirmed that there were two men and two women.
St. Germaine said that RCMP believes that there is no greater risk for the public at this time and that the decision not to issue an alert of dangerous people on Tuesday was considered carefully and decided based on the information available at that time. She said the belief that the murders were attacked in the decision.
She said that the RCMP is working to identify the suspects and that the case is in her childhood and complex.
“At this time we have no information to confirm that they are still released,” said St. Germain when asked if it is possible that the person or the responsible persons are still loose.
Bringing Kettle residents will continue to see police presence in the reserve while the investigation continues, RCMP said.
Meanwhile, around 3:15 PM CST on Tuesday, RCMP received reports from a man who pointed people in a nearby reserve, Zagime Anishinabek, according to a statement. Hours later, Keagan Panipekeesick, 29, was arrested by the Regina Police Service.
“At this time, researchers are examining whether the firearm tip incident and homicides are connected. We cannot confirm a link at this time,” said RCMP in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
RCMP says that Panipekeesick is accused of a charge of aiming a weapon and a position of possession of a weapon contrary to an order.
He was ready to make his first appearance in court on Wednesday.
Panipekeesick was arrested in a house in Mathieu Crescent in Regina along with two other people. Police say they are investigating whether the other two people were involved with the incident to point out with firearms.
“If an imminent risk for public safety is identified, we will let the public know,” said a press release.
RCMP scheduled a press conference for Wednesday at 2 PM CST to discuss suspicious deaths and Zagime Anishinabek incident.
CTK CHIEF goes to the community
Carrying the kettle remained in the blockade on Wednesday, and nobody was allowed to enter or leave.
Chief Scott Eashappie provided an update for members of the nation on Facebook. He said the Local Police was working with RCMP and the City Police to locate the suspects.
“We currently have our Hall Hall open to our nation and support so that everyone will come and feel and visit,” Eashappie wrote.
“We have the File Hills Stead police service[ily] patrol our nation for the security of each home. “
The community youth center is also open from Wednesday to Saturday. Esthappie said there is enough help to take care of children.
Lynn Acoose, head of Zagimē Anishinabēk, also published on Facebook.
“The news of the horrible event at Carry The Kettle First Nation affected everyone,” said Acose.
“On behalf of Zagimē Anishinabēk membership and advice, I extend our sincere condolences to carry the first boiled nation.”
Acose said that people affected by tragedy can call the welfare aid line of the first nations at 1-85-242-3310.
“In the next few days, our community walks with the people of Carry The Kettle while carrying the burden of these losses,” he wrote.
Chief Payepot School, located in Piapot First Nation about 40 kilometers northeast of Regina, published on its Facebook page that it would be in “Hold and Secure” on Wednesday in the light of nearby incidents. This means that students are not allowed for recess and inputs are monitored.
“This is an additional security measure and there is no direct threat to any of our students,” said the post.
