RCMP respond to string of homicides across Saskatchewan

WATCH: The Saskatchewan RCMP is responding to a cluster of homicides across the province.

The Saskatchewan RCMP is responding to a cluster of homicides across the province.

Police say six people have been killed in four communities over the past week, and charges have been laid in each case.

“Our role as police is to investigate all suspicious deaths throughout the province, with the ultimate goal of charging the person or persons responsible and helping those impacted get answers,” Insp. Ashley St. Germaine told media Friday.

RCMP first responded to a homicide in Grandmother’s Bay on Tuesday. Keyland McLeod, 26, has been charged in the death of 18-year-old Melissa Charles.

The next day, officers were called to a triple homicide on a rural property northwest of Turtleford. RCMP say three men were seriously injured. Officers attempted lifesaving measures, but all three died of their injuries.

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Madison Paddy-Jimmy, 25, is facing one count of second-degree murder. Police have not said whether additional charges will be laid.

One of the victims has been identified as 28-year-old Tonio Cantell from Island Lake First Nation. RCMP is not releasing the names of the other two men, though one is a 46-year-old from Turtleford.

“We’re not seeking information from the public with respect to their identities, so we are not providing names at this point. If charges are laid in relation to them, their names will be made public,” St. Germaine said.

Later that day, Nipawin RCMP were called for a wellness check at a home in Snowden.

Officers found 69-year-old Diane Searcy dead. Her husband, 68-year-old Kevin Searcy, has been charged with second-degree murder.

On Thursday afternoon, RCMP were called to a home in Whitewood for reports of an injured man. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A youth — who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act — has been charged with first-degree murder.

Police say they can’t release further details while the investigations are ongoing, acknowledging the recent string of homicides is taking a toll on officers.

“It takes a toll on our teams across the province, especially when these clusters happen,” RCMP said in a statement.

Paddy-Jimmy is scheduled to appear in court in Lloydminster next week.

Kevin Searcy will appear in court in Nipawin on Dec. 10.