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The RCMP announced Wednesday afternoon two suspects have been arrested in connection with the four homicides on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation on February 4th.
The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit arrested 18-year-old Darrius Racette in Yorkton on February 18th. He has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of Tracey Hotomani, Sheldon Quewezance, Shauna Fay, and Terry Jack.
A youth was also arrested. The RCMP stated the youth, a 15-year-old boy, is also facing four counts of first-degree murder. He was arrested Tuesday on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation. He can't be identified due to provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He appeared in Regina Provincial Court by telephone this morning.
“We thank the public for their cooperation and patience as these investigations were conducted. Officers rely on witnesses and members of the community to come forward with information to further investigations,” said Inspector Ashley St. Germaine, Senior Investigative Officer with the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes Branch.
"I’m incredibly proud of the work that was done by our officers and by the partner agencies we worked with," said Assistant Commission, and Commanding Officer of teh Saskatchewan RCMP Rhonda Blackmore. "I understand from the outside, it might seem like this wasn’t a quick resolution, but I think it’s important the public realize investigations like this are incredibly complex. They take time and diligence on the part of police. Our investigators have to be incredibly thorough – not only to be able to enact an arrest, but to ensure the work supports a prosecution of the accused."
On February 4th, the File Hills First Nations Police Service received a report of sudden deaths at a residence on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, which is north of Montmartre. The officers responded immediately and found four people deceased in the home.
The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation, and the incident was treated as a homicide, with the initial investigation suggesting the victims may have been targetted.
St. Germaine also clarified there was no connection between the homicides and a separate firearms-related incident on Zagime Anishinabek.
"The two incidents occurred on the same day within close time and proximity to each other," St. Germaine told media Wednesday afternoon. "The RCMP communicated the two incidents together as we wanted the people living in those areas to be aware of any potential threats and to remain vigilant while the investigations unfolded. We did not publicly identify a suspect in relation to the homicides on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation."
Racette is scheduled to appear in Yorkton Provincial Court on Thursday. No court dates for the youth have been announced at this time.
Updated Thursday, Feb. 20, 9:20 a.m. to include the age of the youth and the charges laid against him.