Family of shooting victim near Weyburn give statement, calls on shooter to come forward

Forty-four-year-old Tanya Myers lost her life in a fatal shooting on Highway 39 last week.

The shooting took place near grain elevators toward Weyburn, Sask., at around 8 p.m. on Friday.

RCMP reported that two women were in a Ford Explorer driving on the highway when a loud crack was reportedly heard. Myers, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford Explorer was unharmed and is not considered a suspect.

Police say the shooting seems to be random at this time.

In a statement and appeal to RCMP, Myers’ family said:

“Tanya was an amazing energy healer and animal lover, with a special fondness for cats. She was the best mom to her nine cats.

She rarely left home because she had an extensive care routine for her kitties, so this day out of town was rare for her, and related to her interest in energy healing and shopping for her cats.

We are all in shock and disbelief, and the loss of Tanya leaves a giant gaping hole in our lives and her cats’ lives who are all wondering where their mom has gone.

She did not have anything to do with the way she left us. She kept to herself and looked after her fur babies.

To the person or persons responsible – please grow a conscience and take responsibility for your actions. Tanya deserves justice and her family deserves answers.”

In an update from Saskatchewan RCMP on Tuesday, a second vehicle has been reported as damaged in the same incident.

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On Saturday, RCMP said in a media release they received a report from a member who was reportedly travelling “behind the Ford Explorer” at the time of the shooting.

“The person reported hearing two ‘pops’ that sounded like rocks hitting the windshield, but there was no damage to any windows. The person then noted their SUV tire was flat on September 13. They did not know if there was any connection to the ongoing police investigation, but due to the timing, wanted to report it.”

An investigation by the Regina RCMP Forensic Identification Section determined that the tire was damaged by a gunshot.

Supt. Joshua Graham, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes, told media on Tuesday no suspect has been identified and no further details on the investigation can be given.

“Part of when we do these kinds of investigations is we’re looking for information that only the person who caused somebody’s death could know,” he said.

“We call it hold back evidence and that’s simply to verify what people are telling us when they do actually tell us about their involvement.”

RCMP say there is no concern to public safety but are asking people to stay vigilant. Also, the investigation is ongoing and RCMP is asking the public to report any tips to 310-RCMP (7267) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Weyburn’s response:

Weyburn Mayor Jeff Richards says the community is shocked at the incident.

“It’s a very unnerving experience,” he said. “Everybody wants to have answers to what happened and we don’t know them and that is unsettling.”

He also says gun violence is not common in the city and this incident was isolated but says Weyburn will give any resources needed to the RCMP to help the investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are obviously with the families impacted by this.”

Weyburn resident Tasha Hill says the unknown factors of the case are creating anxiety in the community, “The general unease in the community now because nobody knows what exactly happened and there’s that fear.”

“Nobody really seems to know. It just seems kind of random and there’s lots of rumours but nobody really knows and that’s kind of different for us,” said Derek Balkwill, who also lives in Weyburn. Despite the uncertainty, he says most people he’s talked to still feel safe in the community and don’t believe this is a sign that crime in the area is worsening.

A separate investigation:

Weyburn RCMP have issued another news release warning of a potential motorist impersonating a police officer.

RCMP said they received a report on Sept. 13 at about 10:40 p.m. about a motorist flashing emergency lights behind another vehicle before driving off.

“(The) investigation determined an individual was driving on a grid road near Midale. A vehicle came up behind them displaying flashing blue and red emergency lights. Both vehicles slowed, then the vehicle with blue and red lights fled.”

The suspect vehicle is described as a granite grey truck with a flat deck and a heavy-duty rack. It is believed to be a 2000s-model Chevrolet. The red and blue lights were mounted near the rearview mirror in the front windshield.

In a news release issued Tuesday, Weyburn RCMP said they identified the vehicle and the alleged driver, who is a youth. No charges have been laid, and the investigation continues.

The RCMP said they do not believe there are any concerns for public safety, nor do they believe it is connected to the Friday incident involving the highway shooting.