SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Police Service Major Crime Section has made a seventh arrest in the Megan Gallagher case.
Thomas Richard Sutherland, 42, is charged with the unlawful confinement and aggravated assault of Megan Gallagher.
On Sept. 27, SPS investigators attended to a correctional facility in Saskatoon to effect the arrest of Sutherland, who was incarcerated on an unrelated sentence at the time of his arrest. Sutherland was transported to SPS Detention and remains in police custody; he is expected to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court Wednesday.
Investigators continue to say they anticipate additional arrests as the investigation progresses.
This is the seventh arrest made by the SPS in connection to the homicide of Megan Gallagher. Robert "Bobby" James Thomas and Cheyann Crystal Peeteetuce were most recently charged, both with first-degree murder.
Also charged are Jessica Sutherland, John Wayne Sanderson, Roderick William Sutherland and Ernest Vernon Whitehead. Their charges are under Section 182 (b) of the Criminal Code – Indignity to Human Remains.
River and banks to be searched
The Saskatoon Police Service is also announcing details relevant to a planned search for Megan. As a result of investigation, and in consultation with forensic anthropologist Dr. Ernie Walker and officials from the Water Security Agency, the SPS Major Crime Section will be co-ordinating an extensive search of the South Saskatchewan River and its banks in the St. Louis area. A number of civilian search and rescue personnel, members of the Provincial Protective Services, and purpose-trained K9 teams from the Calgary Police Service will be assisting in the search.
The search is scheduled to occur over four days, beginning Thursday, Sept. 29, and concluding Sunday, Oct. 2. It will take place during daytime hours. As this is a search of a potential crime scene, members of the public are advised to avoid the area.
If you have information believed to be relevant to the investigation or planned search, contact the SPS directly at 306-975-8300 or report it anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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