On May 28, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Stanley Mission RCMP received the report of a seriously injured male at a local community hall. Upon police arrival, the male was located on scene and transported to a hospital where he was later declared deceased.
Based on the circumstances of the male's death, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes assumed carriage of the investigation.
On May 29, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence located on Muskeg Crescent in Stanley Mission to recover key evidence required to advance the investigation.
Following a forensic examination that occurred earlier this week, in addition to the information and evidence gathered by investigators, the cause of the male's death was determined to be the result of a homicide.
The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Walter Ray Wilson Roberts from Stanley Mission, SK. His family has been notified and Victim Services has been engaged to provide support.
As a result of the investigation, a 15-year-old male, who cannot be identified in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), was arrested on May 30, 2023. He is charged with the following:
- Second degree murder, contrary to Sec. 235(1) of the Criminal Code;
- Attempted robbery, contrary to Sec. 344(1)(b) of the Criminal Code;
- Assault with a weapon (BB air gun), Sec. 267(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of a weapon (knife) while committing an indictable offence, Sec. 88, of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of a weapon (BB air gun) while committing an indictable offence, Sec. 88, of the Criminal Code; and
- Use of an imitation firearm (BB air gun) while committing an indictable offence, Sec. 85(2)(a), of the Criminal Code
The youth has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in La Ronge Youth Court on June 1, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes appreciates the support received from the community, and the investigational assistance provided by Prince Albert RCMP Forensic Identification Services (FIS), Saskatoon RCMP FIS, La Ronge RCMP General Investigation Section, Stanley Mission RCMP, La Ronge RCMP, and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.
The investigation into the circumstances of Walter Roberts' death is active and ongoing.