Saskatchewan RCMP recorded a historic high in homicide investigations in 2024, handling 38 cases with 40 victims between January 1 and December 31. The figures represent a 27% increase in homicide files and a 33% rise in victims compared to 2023, making 2024 the highest year on record for homicide investigations within the province’s RCMP jurisdiction.
Notably, Saskatchewan RCMP’s North District was disproportionately affected, with 22 of these cases and victims reported in that region.
Data from Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes reveals an upward trajectory in homicide investigations over the past five years. In 2020, there were 30 homicide files with 31 victims. In 2021, this number increased to 31 homicide files with 35 victims.
By 2022, the figures had risen further to 33 homicide files and 43 victims, including a mass casualty event. In 2023, there were 30 homicide files and 30 victims. The numbers reached their highest in 2024, with 38 homicide files and 40 victims.
As of January 27, 2025, there have already been two homicide files with two victims. These statistics exclude cases where the RCMP provided investigative support to other police services in Saskatchewan.
Superintendent Josh Graham, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes, highlighted the strain these investigations place on law enforcement resources. In 2024, the RCMP faced four periods where three or more homicide investigations occurred within a single week. These "homicide clusters" were observed in February, August, September, and December.
For example, between February 1 and 5, five separate homicides occurred, demanding the immediate deployment of multiple, specially-trained teams. Superintendent Graham noted that these clusters put significant pressure on frontline detachments and investigative teams, affecting both operational capacity and the wellness of investigators.
"These clusters especially put significant pressures on frontline RCMP detachments and investigative resources as multiple, specially-trained teams are required to deploy immediately to these calls for service," said Graham.
"Concern for the wellness of our investigators and having the capacity to continue investigating unsolved files – including both recent and historical ones – is significant when our deployment numbers are high."
Nationally, Canada reported 778 homicide victims in 2023, equating to a homicide rate of 1.94 per 100,000 people. In stark contrast, Saskatchewan RCMP’s jurisdiction recorded a homicide rate of 7.2 per 100,000 people in 2024. The North District experienced an even higher rate of 14.8 per 100,000 people.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes teams charged 36 individuals in connection to last year’s homicide investigations. Among those charged, 25 were male and 11 were female. Two individuals were wanted on outstanding warrants at the time of the offence.
Six individuals were already in custody at Saskatchewan Penitentiary. In addition to these arrests, RCMP investigators worked on two homicide cases from File Hills Police Service jurisdiction and continued efforts to resolve at least 28 unsolved homicides or suspicious deaths from previous years.
A significant portion of those charged, 45%, were under court-ordered conditions or supervision at the time of the offence, mirroring data from previous years. Between 2019 and 2023, 44% of individuals charged with homicide in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction were on conditions, bail, parole, or probation when the crime was committed.
The increasing homicide rate underscores broader concerns about violent crime and the complexity of criminal investigations in the province. While policing remains a critical component, the RCMP stresses the importance of addressing root causes of crime.
“As the provincial police service, community safety is a top priority,” said Graham.
“We continue to work with partners and advocate for additional resources to tackle the underlying issues contributing to violent crime.”
With 2025 already witnessing two homicide investigations within the first four weeks, the Saskatchewan RCMP remains focused on both solving ongoing cases and preventing further violence in the province.