November 10, 2022
Maymont, Saskatchewan
On October 20, 2022, two individuals were arrested by the North Battleford RCMP in the North Battleford area in relation to the death of Wendy Bird.
Dustin Cookman-Watts, 25, from North Battleford, SK, is charged with one count, second degree murder, Section 235(1), Criminal Code.
Melissa Kaponyas, 18, from Biggar, SK, is charged with one count, accessory after the fact, Section 240, Criminal Code.
They appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on October 21, 2022.
The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit continues to investigate with assistance from the Saskatoon and North Battlefords RCMP Forensic Identification Services Unit.
If anyone has information about Wendy's whereabouts from Friday, October 14, 2022 to the morning of October 16, or if you witnessed any suspicious activity on Highway #16 near Maymont through the evening hours October 15-16, 2022, we encourage you to contact police. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Backgrounder
Update: Investigation underway after deceased person located near Maymont, SK
2022-10-21
On October 20, 2022, two individuals were arrested by the North Battleford RCMP in the North Battleford area in relation to the death of Wendy Bird.
Dustin Cookman-Watts, 25, from North Battleford, SK, is charged with one count, second degree murder, Section 235(1), Criminal Code.
Melissa Kaponyas, 18, from Biggar, SK, is charged with one count, accessory after the fact, Section 240, Criminal Code.
They appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on October 21, 2022.
The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit continues to investigate with assistance from the Saskatoon and North Battlefords RCMP Forensic Identification Services Unit.
If anyone has information about Wendy's whereabouts from Friday, October 14, 2022 to the morning of October 16, or if you witnessed any suspicious activity on Highway #16 near Maymont through the evening hours October 15-16, 2022, we encourage you to contact police. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The investigation is ongoing.
Investigation underway after deceased person located near Maymont, SK
2022-10-17
On October 16 shortly after 8:00 a.m., Warman RCMP received a report of a deceased person near Highway #16 near Maymont, SK.
The deceased has been identified as 24-year-old Wendy Bird from Prince Albert. Based on preliminary investigation, her death is considered suspicious and Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes is investigating. We are releasing the victim's name to assist with furthering the ongoing investigation.
If anyone has information about Wendy's whereabouts from Friday, October 14, 2022 to the morning of October 16, or if you witnessed any suspicious activity on Highway #16 near Maymont through the evening hours October 15-16, 2022, we encourage you to contact police. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Wendy Bird's next of kin has been notified. An autopsy will take place on October 18, 2022.
Also assisting with this investigation are the Saskatoon and North Battleford RCMP General Investigation Sections, Saskatoon RCMP Forensic Identification Section and the Saskatchewan Coroner's Service.
Traffic was restricted on Highway #16 for approximately six hours in relation to this investigation, but has since been opened.
