The family of the woman killed in a shooting on Highway 39 last week is pleading for the person responsible to come forward, saying the loss has left a giant gaping hole in their lives.
The emotional appeal was released Tuesday by the RCMP on behalf of the family of Tanya Myers, who was identified as the 44-year-old victim who tragically died on September 12. The statement came during a media briefing where investigators also lauded what they called the public's fantastic response to calls for information.
"To the person or persons responsible, please grow a conscience and take responsibility for your actions," the family's statement read. "Tanya deserves justice, and her family deserves answers."
The family described Myers as an "amazing energy healer and animal lover, with a special fondness for cats," and the "best mom to her nine cats." They noted that she rarely left home because of the extensive care routine for her pets, making her trip out of town that day a rare occurrence related to her interests.
An autopsy has confirmed Myers died of a gunshot wound.
Superintendent Joshua Graham, the officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes, said the public has been instrumental in advancing the investigation.
"The public has been fantastic in contacting the RCMP when we've requested information," Graham said.
He noted that tips from the public allowed investigators to identify and speak with the drivers of a white truck and a vehicle hauling a trailer that were sought for information; both were cleared of any involvement.
Most significantly, the public appeal led the driver of the second SUV that was struck by a bullet to contact the police. The driver reported hearing two 'pops' on Friday night and found a flat tire the next day. It was this report that allowed the RCMP Forensic Identification Section to examine the tire on Monday and confirm it was damaged by a gunshot.
Graham confirmed both vehicles were hit during a single incident while travelling in proximity to each other.
While two vehicles were hit in what police believe may have been a careless, reckless, or even intended act, Graham clarified the current risk to the public.
"Obviously, it would make common sense there is a public safety threat if somebody's firing off a gun," he said. However, he explained, there is no information to suggest an "elevation of the public safety threat where we feel that specific individuals or locations or, you know, types of vehicles are being targeted."
He said a dangerous person alert was not issued on the night of the shooting because the threat was not active and police had no specific suspect information to share with the public. He confirmed that even if they had known about the second vehicle at the time, an alert would not have met the criteria.
The official guidance remains for the public to "stay vigilant."
The investigation remains active, with one of the RCMP's three provincial Major Crimes teams assigned, along with support from other units. Investigators are keeping an open mind as to the motive, acknowledging the shooting could be accidental or the result of an "overshot of somebody shooting at something, like a target, an animal, something like that."
Graham also confirmed an unrelated report of a person impersonating a police officer in the area has been investigated and "ruled out as being related" to the shooting.
Police are still asking for public assistance, specifically seeking video from dashboard or home surveillance cameras. Graham said the public may see posters with a QR code in the Weyburn area asking for video surveillance footage.
Anyone with information is asked to call 310-RCMP or report it anonymously through Crime Stoppers. The Myers family has also asked for privacy at this time.