REGINA - Update 2: Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigators remain on the scene of the suspicious deaths of four individuals on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation. They are investigating the deaths as homicides, say RCMP, and initial investigation suggests the residence may have been targeted.
At 2 p.m. Wednesday, RCMP held a media availability in Regina where they said residents will continue to notice an increased police presence on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in relation to the investigation.
At this time, investigators are also looking into whether a firearm pointing incident at Zagime Anishinabek is connected to the homicides. They are unable to confirm a link at this time.
RCMP are working with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service to formally identify the victims found in the residence and are still limited in what they are able to share. What they are able to confirm is that the victims are two adult males and two adult females.
Though formal identification is pending, say RCMP, their family liaison team is providing investigational updates to loved ones they believe may be impacted by these homicides. They are also actively referring them to Victim Services for support.
In an update on the pointing a firearm incident on Zagime Anishinabek that had police issue a photo of a man 小蓝视频 sought, RCMP said, as noted early that morning, Keagan Panipekeesick was arrested by Regina Police Service at a residence on Mathieu Crescent in Regina.
He has been charged with one count of pointing a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm contrary to order. He is to appear before a Justice of the Peace today, said RCMP, but details of his first court appearance were not yet available.
Two other individuals were also taken into custody at the residence. Officers continue to investigate their involvement, if any, with the firearm pointing incident.
RCMP say they are committed to continuing to provide updates as they become available and that if an imminent risk to public safety is identified, they will notify the public.
In speaking to reporters at F Division this afternoon, Inspector Ashley St. Germaine, Senior Investigative Officer with RCMP Major Crimes Branch, explained why a dangerous persons alert had not been issued in this instance.
"So the criteria, I don't have the specific criteria right in front of me at this point, but some of the considerations that we consider are if there is an immediate danger to the public, if there is information that we can provide them in order to keep them safe, and information about the offence that's occurring," St. Germaine said.
"At this point in time, those things were considered yesterday with respect to these offences, as we were carrying on. So we didn't feel it met the criteria at that point, because we believed it was potentially a targeted residence and that was a factor in that decision."
She did add it was possible that could change and an alert be issued.
"Given the circumstances, yeah. If we're provided with information at any point that increases that level of seriousness that the public is facing at that point in time, we would immediately issue a dangerous persons alert."
St. Germaine confirmed the investigation is "still in its infancy."
"Given that it is a quadruple homicide, it is a complicated, complex investigation and it's requiring a large amount of resources to forward. We are working towards identifying suspects that we will be able to hopefully charge in the future."
She could not say if this incident was gang related or drug related in any way, saying this was still early on in the investigation and the actual motivation behind it is part of the investigation.
Update 1: Keagan Panipekeesick has been arrested by Regina Police Service in Regina. The Regina police say they will provide details in an updated media release this morning.
Original post: There are reports of a quadruple homicide on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.
Saskatchewan RCMP are reporting that on Feb. 4 at approximately 11:15 a.m., File Hills First Nations Police Service received a report of sudden deaths at a residence on the First Nation.
RCMP report that officers immediately responded and located four deceased persons inside the residence. The initial investigation from File Hills police is that the deaths are suspicious in nature. Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes has been called on to continue the investigation.
Information can be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or .
Police are also saying that on Feb. 4 around 3:15 p.m., Saskatchewan RCMP received multiple reports of an adult male pointing a gun at individuals on Zagime Anishinabek, formerly Sakimay First Nation. Police say it is unknown if this incident is related to the sudden deaths on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.
There has been a further update from the RCMP about who the suspect is who pointed the firearm in this particular incident. According to police, investigators believe the suspect is Keagan Panipekeesick, 29.
Police describe him as 5 feet 10 inches tall and 170 lbs with blue eyes and brown hair. He has tattoo of tears on upper right arm. RCMP say they are working on obtaining a photo. It is unconfirmed yet if he is also connected with the deaths on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.
Saskatchewan RCMP say they are carefully monitoring this situation, which has included continual assessment as to whether a dangerous person alert is required. They are currently working to try and locate him and are asking the public to remain vigilant -- to not approach suspicious persons or pick up hitchhikers, and to not approach Keagan Panipekeesick. Instead, if you see him call 911 immediately.
Police are saying this is an unfolding investigation and they are unable to provide further details about the deceased persons at this time. They do plan to provide an update once available. The RCMP add there will be a continued increased police presence on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation. People are 小蓝视频 asked to avoid areas where police officers are present and follow any police direction provided. The public is asked to remain vigilant and exercise caution if in the Zagime Anishinabek area.
If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, the public will be notified, say police.
Earlier Tuesday, Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation Chief Scott Eashappie had informed residents on a Facebook post about an incident on the reserve.
“To our Nation and community members, I'm sorry I have to announce in this way. We have had a break and enter in one of our homes last night,” Eashappie posted.
“We ask everyone to please stay clear as there has been a homicide on north side of reserve. If anyone has any information please call our local police…
“CTK Community members. RCMP and Emergency services are on-site at a call and requesting that everyone please stay away from the area around the north end of the reserve where there is heavy police presence. Please do not stop on the grid 606 for any reason. If you need to stop park on farthest side of edge of road. Do not block road, emergency vehicles need to enter. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”
Later, both the Cowessess First Nation and the Sakimay First Nations official page reported a heavy police presence at Zagime. Cowessess posted the following:
“Expect a heavy police presence on Zagime. Suspects from the CTK quadruple homicide may be in the area and are considered armed. The emergency response team is on route. please lock your doors, stay inside and stay safe.”
Sakimay posted the following:
“Attention: Residents of Zagime. Please shelter in your home. Any activities at the complex have been cancelled until further notice. Broadview RCMP have asked residents to stay away from public buildings and off the roads. This will ensure safety for residence as RCMP search the area for suspects at large. Heavy RCMP presence will remain until the suspects are located. We will post an update as the situation develops."
Kahkewistahaw First Nation has also posted the following on Facebook:
"Community of Kahkewistahaw… please be advised that we will be doubling our patrols today in light of the serious violent incident that has occurred at CTK. We have been alerted that the suspect(s) may have made their way east and might possibly be in Zagime. We ask that everyone take precautions, try to remain indoors, keep your doors locked, and check on any family members."
