A man arrested in the death of his common-law wife is now facing first-degree murder after the charge was upgraded.
Blake Jeffrey Schreiner, 37 was originally charged with second-degree murder but that charge has now been elevated to first-degree murder in the death of Tammy Brown.
On Jan. 29, Schreiner was arrested after police found Brown deceased at a home on Kootenay Drive, in the River Heights neighbourhood, following a report of an injured person.
Saskatoon police have not said how she died, her death marks the city’s first homicide of 2019.
At an earlier court appearance, family members told Global News that the couple had been together for five years and had two young children – a three-year-old and a nine-month-old baby.
“She was an amazing mother, daughter and sister,” Tawny Brown said in a statement.
“We continue to receive messages from friends and loved ones of Tammy and are reminded how her kind, loving nature has positively influenced the lives of so many.”
“Her family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”
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An education fund has been started for her two children and close to $40,000 has been raised.
A memorial service for Tammy will be held Saturday in Creighton, Sask.
Schreiner’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.