Update Tuesday: As a result of investigation by the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crime Unit South in cooperation with multiple Saskatchewan RCMP units, Shawn Moostoos of Melfort has been charged with:
- Two counts, first degree murder, Section 235(1), Criminal Code
- One count, attempted murder, Section 239(1)(a.1), Criminal Code
- One count, discharge firearm with intent to endanger life, Section 244(1), Criminal Code
Moostoos remains in custody and will make his first court appearance on Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. in Nipawin.
Update Monday 5 p.m.: This afternoon at approximately 4 p.m., investigators located the suspect at a residence in Melfort. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Police are not seeking additional suspects in regards to this incident. The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as soon as they become available.
The Saskatchewan RCMP thank the media and the public for their assistance.
Update Monday 10:55 a.m.: RCMP Major Crime Unit South continues to investigate this incident and, in conjunction with Melfort RCMP Detachment, continue to search for Shawn Moostoos, who has not been located. They continue to follow up on all tips and leads and encourage anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Shawn Moostoos to call 911 immediately. Investigators believe he may be armed and should not be approached.
A 37-year-old male and a 28-year-old female from James Smith Cree Nation are confirmed to be deceased as a result of this incident. The families of the deceased have been notified of the deaths and their names will not be released by RCMP at this time.
RCMP do not have any updates on the condition of the injured 44-year-old male. He was transported to hospital with what were described as serious, but non life-threatening injuries. At this time the RCMP can advise the suspect and the three victims were known to each other.
Update Monday 4 a.m.: Monday morning, RCMP reported Officers from multiple Saskatchewan RCMP Detachments and specialized units continue to search for Shawn Moostoos. Investigators believe he may be armed and should not be approached.
Shawn Moostoos is a 33-year-old male and is described as having brown eyes, brown hair, just over 6 feet tall, weighing 189 pounds. He has a scar on his left hand. He may be driving a 2003, white Pontiac Montana, with Saskatchewan license plate 938 MBT. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Shawn Moostoos is asked to call 911 immediately.
Investigators have determined three individuals were shot during an altercation in a residence on the James Smith First Nation at approximately 7:19 p.m. on Sept. 5. An adult male and an adult female are confirmed to be deceased as a result of this incident. The families of the deceased have been notified of the deaths and the names of the deceased will not be released by RCMP at this time. A second adult male was transported to hospital by local ambulance for treatment of undetermined injuries. The suspect and the three victims were known to each other.
Since this incident was reported to police, the James Smith First Nation and surrounding area have been thoroughly searched. These search efforts included assistance from Saskatoon Police Service Air 1, STARS Air Ambulance, surrounding RCMP Detachments and Police Dog Services. Investigators have followed up on multiple tips and reported sightings from the public. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call their local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Due to information investigators have learned, including the fact that the suspect and the victims were known to each other and the time that has passed since the initial incident, investigators have determined the emergency alert is no longer required.
The public is asked to ensure information being shared through social media is from a trusted source. It is easy for misinformation and rumours to spread during tragic incidents like this, said the RCMP. The Saskatchewan RCMP is committed to ensuring the public has accurate information and updates will be provided as they become available.
The investigation is ongoing and residents in the area can expect to see an increased police presence. Residents are asked to respect police barricades and any direction given by police.
Sunday: Saskatchewan's Emergency Public Alerting program has advised residents of the area around James Smith Cree Nation to avoid the community due to a shooting incident with multiple victims.
An update was sent at 10:31 p.m., notifying that the suspect is believed to be Shawn Moostoos, a 33-year-old man. He has brown eyes, brown hair, just over 6 feet tall, 189 pounds, and a scar on his left hand.
If seen, the public is asked to call 911 immediately.
The area where the alert was sent includes Humboldt, Nipawin, Melfort, Tisdale and Carrot River.
Moostoos' mode of transportation is unknown at this time.
The RCMP are asking the public to be wary of someone asking for a ride and to not pick up hitchhikers.
If in the area, seek immediate shelter/shelter in place.
Do not leave a secure location. Report emergencies or tips call 9 1 1.
Do not answer your door unless police provide direction to do so. Stay away from windows.
Updates will be available: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/sk/home.
Heavy police presence is expected in the area.
The James Smith Cree Nation is located 58 kilometers east of Prince Albert and 40 kilometres northwest of Melfort.
