Jeremy Starblanket, from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, was 29 at the time of his death in March, 2021. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Fourth and final arrest made in Starblanket murder

Feb 27, 2023 | 2:45 PM

Prince Albert police have indicated a fourth and final suspect has been arrested in relation to the death of Jeremy Starblanket in early 2021.

Darren Masuskapoe, 44, from Prince Albert, was arrested on Friday and charged with first degree murder.

He appeared Monday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court and was remanded to March 6.

The homicide case dates back to March 20, 2021, when residents in the area of the 500 block of Fifth St. E., reported hearing an explosion and several popping sounds, then saw a bunch of black smoke coming from a house.

The single family bungalow was found fully engulfed when fire crews arrived. During the investigation, Starblanket’s body was found in the remains of the home.

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Speaking with paNOW, on the condition his name not be published, Starblanket’s father recalled the last conversation he had with his son in late February, when he picked him up from jail.

“He had talked about wanting to straighten his life out, to try and make amends with some people he had stirred up trouble with,” the father said.

Last week, two other arrests were announced. Keyano Ahenanakew, 25, and Henry Ratt, 26, are each facing one count of first-degree murder,

Loretta Sakebow was arrested several months after the house fire and is charged with second degree murder. She’s currently awaiting trial at Court of King’s Bench.

Update to Ratt and Ahenakew arrests

Further to last week’s two releases from Prince Albert Police, Saskatchewan RCMP indicated Monday, their Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) was requested to assist in the apprehension of Henry Ratt and Keyano Ahenakew.

On Feb. 21, officers determined Ratt was in a residence on Ahtahkakoop First Nation and obtained a warrant to enter it.

With the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team and the Shellbrook RCMP, officers approached the residence and safely arrested the 26-year-old. Ratt was also arrested on warrants for obstructing a peace officer from Spiritwood RCMP and breach of probation from Saskatoon Police Service.

The following day, WEST officers determined Ahenakew was in a different residence on Ahtahkakoop First Nation.

With the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team and Shellbrook RCMP, officers approached and several hours later, arrested the 25-year-old.

Ahenakew was also arrested on warrants for failing to comply with a release order from Shellbrook RCMP and obstructing a peace officer from Prince Albert Police Service.

“The excellent collaboration between Prince Albert Police Service, Saskatchewan RCMP WEST, Shellbrook RCMP, and Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team resulted in the safe arrest of two individuals wanted for murder, as well as other offences,” said Supt. Glenn Church, the officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT), which WEST is a part of. “This is another example of how seamless partnership helps keep our communities safe.”

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell