March 16, 2021
Canora, Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Major Crimes Unit South, with the assistance of several RCMP detachments and specialized units, have been working to investigate the suspicious death of a male infant that occurred in Canora, SK, on November 21, 2020.
As a result of this investigation, 23-year-old Waylon Hilliard Severight of the Cote First Nation, SK, has been charged with Second Degree Murder under Sec. 235(1) the Criminal Code for the death of Lorenzo Cote. Severight was arrested without incident on Cote First Nation by members of the Yorkton RCMP Provincial General Investigation Section and RCMP Major Crimes Unit South on March 12, 2021.
Waylon Severight was known to Lorenzo Cote.
Waylon Severight appeared in Yorkton Provincial Court this morning at 9:30 a.m. and is scheduled to appear next in court on April 8, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.
The investigation is ongoing.
–30–
Victim identified in infant death investigation in Canora, SK
The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit South (MCU-S) continues to investigate the death of a male infant that occurred in Canora, SK, on November 21, 2020.
Saskatchewan RCMP MCU-S investigators, with the assistance of Canora and Kamsack RCMP Detachments and the Yorkton RCMP Provincial General Investigation Section (GIS) have been working diligently to determine the circumstances that led to the infant's death. Police have completed numerous interviews and inquiries and have collected video surveillance from multiple locations to establish a clear timeline of the events on the day of his death. Police have also executed numerous warrants and conducted forensic examinations of multiple locations with assistance of the Yorkton RCMP Forensic Identification Services and the Saskatchewan Coroner's Service.
Based on the information gathered to date, along with investigational assistance from the Saskatchewan Coroner's Service, the Yorkton RCMP GIS and RCMP detachments in Canora and Kamsack, the death of the infant is determined to be a homicide.
The victim has been identified as 21-month-old Lorenzo Cote from the Cote First Nation in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. The RCMP Victim Services Unit continues to be engaged.
The Saskatchewan RCMP MCU-S has made significant progress in this investigation and is encouraging the public to come forward with any information regarding the homicide, which occurred on November 21, 2020, or any information that they believe could assist investigators.
Calls can be made to the RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267) or their local police service. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
The investigation is ongoing.
Backgrounder
On Saturday, November 21, 2020, shortly after 1 a.m., Canora RCMP received a call of a one-year-old male infant requiring urgent medical attention inside a residence located on the 200th block of Northern Avenue in Canora, SK.
Upon arrival, police officers from the Canora RCMP Detachment located the infant and took over resuscitation efforts from the family on scene until EMS arrived. EMS continued resuscitation efforts, but was unsuccessful. The infant was pronounced deceased on scene by EMS. Based on the nature of the injuries sustained by the infant and initial investigation by police, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit South (MCU-S) were called to assist and have taken carriage of the investigation.
Saskatchewan RCMP MCU-S continue to investigate with assistance from RCMP detachments in Canora, Kamsack, and Yorkton; the Yorkton RCMP Forensic Identification Section; the Saskatchewan Coroner's Service; and an RCMP investigator from the Regina Children's Justice Centre.
An autopsy of the deceased is scheduled to take place in Saskatoon, SK, on November 23, 2020. Next of kin notifications have been completed. RCMP Victim Services has been engaged to provide the family with the support they need.
The residence continues to be secured by police for further investigation.
The investigation is ongoing.
