The number of homicides in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction reached a record high in 2024, with 38 homicide files and 40 victims, according to a newly released RCMP report.
The report reveals a 27 per cent increase in homicide files and a 33 per cent rise in homicide victims compared to 2023, which was the second-highest year for homicides in the province.
Homicide Statistics Breakdown:
- 2020: 30 homicide files with 31 victims
- 2021: 31 homicide files with 35 victims
- 2022: 33 homicide files with 43 victims (including victims of a mass casualty)
- 2023: 30 homicide files with 30 victims
- 2024: 38 homicide files with 40 victims
So far in 2025, the RCMP have investigated two homicide files, both with a single victim.
Of the 38 homicide files in 2024, 22 occurred in the Saskatchewan RCMP’s North District.
In 2024, there were also four homicide "clusters" where investigators were called to multiple unrelated homicide investigations within a seven-day period. These clusters occurred in February, August, September, and December, with five separate homicides occurring between February 1 and 5.
“These clusters place significant pressure on RCMP detachments and investigative resources,” said Supt. Josh Graham, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “It becomes a challenge to balance investigating new cases with unsolved ones, particularly when large numbers of specially trained teams are deployed.”
According to 2023 Statistics Canada data, there were 778 homicide victims nationwide, with a homicide rate of 1.94 per 100,000 people. In Saskatchewan, the RCMP’s North District experienced a rate of 14.8 homicide victims per 100,000.
The RCMP laid charges against 36 individuals related to 2024 homicide investigations. Of those charged, 25 were male and 11 were female. The Major Crimes unit also investigated approximately 28 unsolved homicide or suspicious death files from previous years.
“We want to provide answers to victims' families, but we have limited numbers of specially trained investigators. We can’t dedicate the time we need to complex, unsolved investigations when we’re overwhelmed by new cases,” said Supt. Graham. “The increase in homicide victims is clear — in 2014, there were only eight homicide victims. By 2024, that number had risen to 40. Sadly, more families are losing loved ones to violence.”
The RCMP also found that 45 per cent of those charged in 2024 were subject to court-ordered conditions or supervision at the time of the offence, including individuals wanted on outstanding warrants. Between 2019 and 2023, 44 per cent of those charged with homicide had been under bail, parole, or probation conditions at the time.
The increase in violent crime and the complexity of homicide investigations has led to homicide rates within Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction that exceed national rates.