Year in Review: The city’s six homicide investigations

“Friday afternoon was when he left and when he left he said ‘Hey mom I’ll see you, I love you and I’ll be back.’ And of course the police phoned me Saturday morning and let me know what happened,” she said.

Durocher described McAdam as a happy guy, who loved to joke around. She confirmed he used to be involved in gangs and drugs but chose to leave that life. Prior to the assault, McAdam was planning a return to school for commercial cooking.

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Ten days later, police responded to a weapons call n the 1200 block of 17th St. W., where they found a 50-year-old man in critical condition. The man was taken to hospital but later died.

Family and friends confirmed the man’s identity as Albert Gunville. Emile Gunville described his older brother as a hard-working father who enjoyed visiting and socializing, and who made time for others. Albert grew up as one of nine siblings in the small community of Adanac, near Unity.

“He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back and he loved people deeply,” Emile told paNOW. “As a brother, he was someone you could call on when you needed to; he’d be there in a heartbeat.”

(submitted photo/ Emile Gunville)

Judith Sasakamoose was later charged with second-degree murder in connection with Gunville’s death. She is scheduled to make her next appearance at Prince Albert Provincial Court Feb. 28.

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The death of a young child in March, shocked the community, and marked the city’s third homicide case of 2019.

The toddler was initially found unconscious at a downtown apartment, and later died in hospital. The boy’s father Kelvin McCallum, was charged with second degree murder.

Members from the public left toys and flowers outside Rivercrest Apartments, the buiiding where baby Kal had been living with his father. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

In addition to the obvious tragedy, the case raised questions about the protocols of the provincial social services ministry. The foster parents who had looked after baby Kal told paNOW they begged a social worker not to give the boy back to his father after his release from jail. Six months later, a funeral was held for the child.

“I should have fought harder,” Rene Bear-Ray said, holding back tears when she spoke with paNOW in April.

Rene Bear-Ray with her husband Kevin Ray believe the death of the child could have been prevented. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Due to privacy concerns, the Ministry of Social Services has never confirmed involvement with the family.

McCallum’s case remains before the courts and he has a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 25 to 27, 2020. McCallum has elected to be tried by judge and jury, should a trial take place.

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Just a few days after the tragic incident involving the young boy, a 22-year-old man was killed at the same apartment building.

On March 22, the man was found in critical condition at Rivercrest Apartments. The man was transported to the Victoria Union Hospital by ambulance where he was later pronounced deceased. Five people were charged with first degree murder in the man’s death. The victim was later identified as Kristopher Charles.

The Rivercrest Apartment buiding in downtown Prince Albert was the scene for two homicide investigations this year. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Police said the accused and victim were known to each other. Preliminary hearing dates have been set for a woman and four men charged in connection to the death of Charles.

Lindsay Henderson, Raymond Bear, Emilio Bouvier, Ernest Okemaysim and Keegan Eagle have all been charged with first-degree murder and will have their matters dealt with the final week in April 2020.

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In August, a house and section of back alley in Prince Albert’s midtown area was taped off by police. Around 4 a.m. on Aug. 28, police were dispatched to the area of 12th Street and Fourth Avenue E., after receiving a weapons complaint.

A 19-year-old man was soon after found with multiple stab wounds. He was transported by ambulance to hospital with serious injuries, and later died in hospital.

Picture taken in the 400 block of 12th St. E. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Silas Desmond Starblanket was arrested soon after the incident and charged the next day with second degree murder. Starblanket’s matters are still before the courts but the matter has been scheduled to be spoken to again on Jan. 16.

At Starblanket’s first court appearance, members of his family were present and expressed concerns to paNOW related to his mental health, claiming they had tried multiple times to have him get treatment, with no success.

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Earlier this month, Prince Albert Police confirmed human remains found just outside the city were those of Dylan Chretien.

Chretien was reported missing in early November, after his abandoned vehicle was found in Nordale.The 30-year-old, who friends say was based in Lloydminster, was last seen in P.A. Oct. 27. Friends told paNOW they had no idea was Chretien was doing in the city, and also relayed they received no suggestion from their friend he was in any sort of trouble.

“You know I talk to him all the time and pick at him when I do feel something is wrong. But he won’t tell you anything, that’s just the type of guy he is,” Shawn Murphy explained.

Dylan Chretien. (submitted photo/Prince Albert Police Service)

Chretien’s remains were found in a rural area North of Prince Albert on Dec. 4. and police were able to identify his remains following a forensic autopsy.

No charges have been laid in connection to Chretien’s death. The specific cause of death has not been released. Police have only said foul play is suspected.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Year in Review: The city’s six homicide investigations

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