BIG ISLAND CREE NATION – A woman was found deceased on Big Island Cree Nation Thursday and residents were asked to stay indoors as police searched for a suspect.
According to Pierceland RCMP, they got a call at about 2:45 p.m. on Sept. 12 that someone had been seriously injured at a home on Big Island Lake Cree Territory. When officers arrived they found a deceased woman.
RCMP say they are working to identify the victim and her death is considered suspicious.
"Based on our conversation with the investigators we are not identifying the person at this time,” said a spokesperson from Saskatchewan RCMP Friday afternoon. “I believe they are working to formally identify.”
RCMP said the investigation is still preliminary and they can’t speculate on the woman’s cause of death or any contributing factors.
“When there is information that we can provide, and we always note if there is an imminent risk to public safety that is identified as part of the investigation, we will let the public know,” said Saskatchewan RCMP.
The incident has shook the community of Big Island and residents took to social media.
One person posted late Thursday night, “Can’t shake this ugliness off. How can someone be so evil? Makes me sick to my stomach knowing that someone could do such a thing to another person. As most of you know there was an unfathomable tragedy that happened in my home community that shook and shocked the community to the core. Community is on lock down and the monster is still at large. Why is no one talking.”
One person said that they had heard through "rez gossip," which they call the "moccasin telegraph," that a woman was decapitated. Saskatchewan RCMP wouldn’t confirm how the woman died.
Anyone with information should contact Saskatchewan RCMP by dialing 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
"We are unable to provide additional information about this investigation at this time," said the RCMP. "Updates will be provided when available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public."
