Major Breakthrough in 2024 Homicide Investigation
Saskatoon police have secured first-degree murder charges against five individuals in connection with a tragic homicide that occurred in December 2024. The victim was discovered deceased inside a residence located in the 1700 block of 22nd Street West, within the city's Pleasant Hill neighbourhood, on December 18, 2024.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
The Saskatoon Police Service's Guns and Gangs Unit, supported by the Tactical Support Unit, executed a search warrant at the home on the day the body was found. During this initial operation, three men and one woman were taken into custody but were later released without charges being laid at that time.
The investigation progressed significantly with a series of arrests in November 2025. Police announced that 41-year-old Donovan Lemstra was arrested in Calgary earlier in the month. Subsequently, on November 14 and 17, officers arrested and charged 22-year-old Emmery Aubichon and 45-year-old Vernon Peequaquat.
These individuals join 40-year-old Michael Landry and 27-year-old Michael McCallum, who were previously arrested and charged in the case. All five accused men now face identical charges: first-degree murder, unlawful confinement, and offering an indignity to human remains.
Case Status and Community Impact
All five accused are currently remanded in custody as they await their next court appearances. The identity of the victim has not been released to the public by the Saskatoon Police Service, which continues to handle the matter.
This homicide was recorded as the 15th homicide in Saskatoon for the year 2024, marking a significant incident for the city's law enforcement and community. The serious nature of the charges indicates the complexity and severity of the case, which involved multiple suspects and extended across provincial lines with one arrest taking place in Calgary.
The Saskatoon Police Service has not released further details regarding a potential motive or the specific circumstances leading to the man's death. The investigation, which spanned nearly a year from the discovery of the body to the latest charges, demonstrates the persistent efforts of the police to address violent crime in the community.
