August 30, 2022
Warman, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit continues to investigate the suspicious death and serious assault reported to police on August 29. As a result of police investigation, officers have determined the suspicious death is a homicide. The deceased male has been identified as James Swift, a 40-year-old male from Saskatoon. His family has been advised of his death and supports have been made available.
The two males arrested late in the afternoon on August 29 have been charged in relation to the death of James Swift.
Anthony Burley, a 28-year-old male from Saskatoon, and Colton Lischka, a 29-year-old male from Saskatoon are both charged with:
- one count, second degree murder, Section 235(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, attempted murder, Section 239(1)(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, robbery, Section 344(1)(b), Criminal Code; and
- one count, flight from peace officer, Section 320.17, Criminal Code.
This afternoon, an arrest warrant was issued at the request of the Saskatchewan RCMP for Ashtin Ritzand, a 28-year-old male from Saskatoon. He is charged with:
- one count, second degree murder, Section 235(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, attempted murder, Section 239(1)(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, robbery, Section 344(1)(b), Criminal Code; and
- one count, breach of an undertaking, Section 145(5), Criminal Code.
Shortly before 3:00 this afternoon, Ashtin Ritzand turned himself in and was arrested without incident at the Saskatoon RCMP Detachment.
Anthony Burley and Colton Lischka will be remanded into police custody and will make their first court appearance tomorrow in Saskatoon. Ashtin Ritzand will appear in court in Saskatoon on September 1.
The female arrested yesterday afternoon has been released from police custody.
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Backgrounder
On August 29, 2022 at approximately 6 a.m., Warman RCMP received a report of two injured individuals near the intersection of Penner Road and Rural Road 3050.
Police officers and EMS immediately responded. An adult female was located and transported to hospital with serious injuries. An adult male was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 40-year-old from the RM of Corman Park and his family has been notified. We are not releasing his name at this time.
Saskatchewan RCMP's Major Crime Unit is investigating with the assistance of Warman RCMP, Corman Park Police Service and Saskatoon Police Service. Investigation determined the deceased male and injured female were travelling in a vehicle with three men. The vehicle stopped near the intersection of Penner Road and Rural Road 3050 and an altercation occurred. The three men fled in the vehicle, a white Honda Civic.
Late in the afternoon on August 29, Saskatchewan RCMP officers attempted a traffic stop related to this investigation in the Evergreen neighbourhood of Saskatoon. The vehicle did not stop. Continued investigation determined the occupants fled on foot. Police officers located one adult female and two adult males on Marlatte Street in Saskatoon and arrested them. They remain in custody while the investigation continues. The white Honda Civic has been recovered and there will be an increased police presence on Marlatte Street as the Saskatchewan RCMP's Major Crime Unit continues to investigate.
Investigators are working to locate one outstanding male, Ashtin Ritzand. Ritzand is white, 28-years-old and described as approximately 6' tall with a slender build. He has red hair and green eyes. Ritzand should be considered dangerous and should not be approached.
If you see him or have information on his whereabouts, contact your local police service immediately. In an emergency, call 911. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
