Daphanie Herman, Braden Herman's older sister, speaks with reporters Wednesday outside Prince Albert Provincial Court. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

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‘He didn’t deserve to end up like this’: RCMP officer murder case adjourned two weeks

May 26, 2021 | 1:00 PM

Through a mask that reads “Justice for Braden”, Daphanie Herman fights back tears as she discusses her younger brother outside Prince Albert Provincial Court.

“He was only 26. He had a full life ahead of him and he didn’t deserve to end up like this,” she said.

Braden Herman’s body was found May 11, in a deeply forested area south of Little Red River Park, accessible only by walking or ATV. The man accused of first degree murder, Bernie Herman, was not present in court when the matter was briefly discussed Wednesday morning. His lawyer was granted a two week adjournment to June 9.

Family members said Braden Herman was trying to turn his life around. (Facebook)

On Saturday, the victim’s family plans to hold a vigil in the area where the body was found. Daphanie has been to the area she described as a “rough spot.”

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“At first it didn’t bother me but once I started thinking about him, it just hit me and I just stood there and started crying,” she said.

Despite having the same name, police have said the victim and the accused are not related. Family members have previously explained the accused had been looking after the victim, much like a father-son type relationship, and at one time were living together before having a falling out.

As the family awaits the next court date, an online fundraiser continues to collect money for the family to assist with travel and funeral expenses. As of Wednesday, nearly $900 was raised. Noting that family members as far away as La Loche plan to come Saturday, and the tremendous outpouring of support the family has received, Daphanie Herman expressed her gratitude.

“I’m very grateful fot that. I appreciate all the support we can get,” she said.

Herman resigns from RCMP

Bernie Herman, 53, a long time member of the RCMP, was most recently working in the traffic services division of the Prince Albert RCMP.

According to a statement Wednesday from the Saskatchewan RCMP, Herman was advised on Thursday, May 13, he was suspended with pay.

“This was an important step as under the RCMP Act, an RCMP officer must first be suspended with pay before they can be suspended without pay,” the statement.

RCMP explained they were in the process of suspending Herman without pay when, on May 19, he submitted his resignation effective June 1, 2021.

A photo taken of Bernie Herman in 2020. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

While Herman was not on duty at the time of the incident, Prince Albert Police Service Insp. Craig Mushka told reporters he left work in full uniform with his duty belt on the day it occurred.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell