October 23, 2019
Battleford, Saskatchewan
On October 18, 2019, Battlefords RCMP responded to a call of an injured male in a residence on the 100 block of 26th Street West in Battleford, Sk. Officers arrived to locate an adult male with serious injuries. He was transported by local EMS to the hospital and was later declared deceased. The RCMP Major Crimes Unit North (MCU-North) with the assistance of several specialized RCMP units, determined that 27-year-old Ryan John Gatzke was the victim of a homicide.
After an 8-month investigation lead by MCU-North, four people have been charged in relation to the murder of Ryan Gatzke.
25-year-old Jacob Joseph Ballantyne of Edam, SK
- Second Degree Murder – S. 235(1) C.C
- Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence – S. 348(1(a) C.C
- Disguise with Intent – S. 351(2) C.C
- Carry a Weapon for the purpose of Committing an Offence – S. 88(2) C.C
- Pointing a Firearm – S. 87 C.C
- Possession of Firearm without a Licence – S. 91(1) C.C
- Unauthorized Possession of a firearm in a Motor Vehicle – S. 94 C.C
- Possession of a Restricted Firearm while Prohibited – S. 117.01(1) C.C
22-year-old Isaac Melko of North Battleford, SK
- Second Degree Murder – S. 235(1) C.C
- Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence – S. 348(1(a) C.C
- Disguise with Intent – S. 351(2) C.C
- Carry a Weapon for the purpose of Committing an Offence – S. 88(2) C.C
- Possession of Firearm without a Licence – S. 91(1) C.C
- Unauthorized Possession of a firearm in a Motor Vehicle – S. 94 C.C
23-year-old Charles Michael Lewis McLean of North Battleford, SK
- Manslaughter – S. 236(a) C.C
- Unauthorized Possession of a firearm in a Motor Vehicle – S. 94 C.C
- Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence – S. 348(1(a) C.C
An 18-year-old male resident of North Battleford, SK who was 17-years-old at the time of incident and cannot be named in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
- Second Degree Murder – S. 235(1) C.C
- Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence – S. 348(1(a) C.C
- Disguise with Intent – S. 351(2) C.C
- Carry a Weapon for the purpose of Committing an Offence – S. 88(2) C.C
- Possession of Firearm without a Licence – S. 91(1) C.C
- Unauthorized Possession of a firearm in a Motor Vehicle – S. 94 C.C
- Possession of a Restricted Firearm while Prohibited – S. 117.01(1) C.C
McLean, Ballantyne and Melko have been remanded for a first appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 9:30am. The first court appearance of the 18-year-old male will be released once confirmed.
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Battlefords RCMP request assistance from public in locating suspects involved in homicide
2019-10-23
RCMP Major Crime Unit North as well as other specialized RCMP units continue to investigate the homicide of 27-year-old Ryan John Gatzke that occurred on Oct. 18, 2019.
At this time, police believe three individuals are involved in Gatzke's murder. Police believe some members of the public may have crucial information or evidence that can help police identify individuals involved and determine the circumstances that led to Gatzke's death.
Police consider the homicide to be an isolated incident and do not believe there is a threat to public safety related to this incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720 or to contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
The investigation is ongoing.
Battlefords RCMP - Suspicious sudden death now being investigated as homicide
2019-10-19
Battlefords RCMP along with RCMP specialized units which include Forensic Identification Services and Major Crimes Unit North remain on scene and continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of an adult male early yesterday morning in the Town of Battleford.
The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Ryan John Gatzke.
Based on the information gathered thus far, Saskatchewan RCMP can confirm Ryan John Gatzke was the victim of a homicide.
Officers are asking anyone who was in the area of the 100 block of 26th Street West in the Town of Battleford between the hours of 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019 for any information concerning what may have been observed to be suspicious or out of the ordinary. This information could include any unfamiliar vehicles, loud noises or suspicious person or activity.
At this time, police believe there is no threat to public safety related to this incident. However, officers remind residents of the Town of Battleford and the City of North Battleford to continue to be observant and to report any suspicious activity to police.
An autopsy has been ordered and has been conducted by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.
The victim's next of kin has been notified and Victim Services have been offered.
RCMP would like to thank residents and motorists in the Battleford community for their patience, their cooperation and for giving officers the space required to conduct a thorough investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720 or to contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Battlefords RCMP – Suspicious sudden death
2019-10-18
This morning shortly after 1:30 a.m. Battlefords RCMP received a report of a male injured in a residence on the 100 block of 26th Street West in Battleford. RCMP officers and EMS were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male with serious injuries. The male was transported by local EMS to hospital and was later declared deceased.
Preliminary investigation has determined that the death of the adult male is suspicious in nature. A number of specialized RCMP teams have deployed to Battlefords to assist with the investigation. These officers will be working to determine exactly what lead to the adult male's death.
Residents in the area of the 100 block of 26th Street West in Battleford can expect to see an increased police presence for most of today. While officers conduct the investigation, traffic may be restricted and residents and motorists are asked to respect any police barricades and directions given by the police officers at the scene.
As the investigation is in the preliminary stages there are no further details available at this time. Additional updates will be provided as soon as they become available.
Due to the serious nature of the injuries to the adult male, Battlefords RCMP is asking residents of the town of Battleford and the city of North Battleford to be observant and aware of their surroundings and to report anything suspicious to police.
Anyone with information is asked to call Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720 or you may contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com
