Advertisement

New charges laid in Hobbema homicide

Brandon RCMP are investigating. File / Global News

EDMONTON- Hobbema RCMP have arrested and charged two more people in connection with the death of a man at Montana First Nation early last week.

Nikki Saddleback, 25, and Troy Crier, 27, have both been charged with first degree murder in the death of 51-year-old Winston Crier.

“Troy Crier is the nephew of the victim, Mr. Winston Crier,” said Sergeant Brian Davison, with Hobbema RCMP.

Winston Crier, of the Samson Cree Nation, was found dead in a rural area of Montana Cree Nation on Monday, May 6.

Last week, RCMP charged 26-year-old Clifford Soosay, of Hobbema, with first degree murder in Winston Crier’s death.

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Police say the incident was not gang related.

“The evidence supports that this incident was the result of a personal conflict,” Davison explained.

Story continues below advertisement

Officers say the community played a huge role in the investigation, and the suspects would not be in custody if it weren’t for the help of the citizens of Hobbema.

“Without their involvement, support and information, we wouldn’t have been able to make these arrests so quickly. The community of Hobbema won’t stand for this kind of criminal violence and their cooperation with the RCMP reflects that,” said Inspector Charles Wood, Officer-in-Charge of Hobbema RCMP.

Wood started working for the Hobbema RCMP two years ago and says the willingness of the community to help in situations like this has really evolved since that time.

“In those days there was, what we termed ‘the wall of silence’ where people were very reluctant to come forward, reluctant to work with the RCMP and reluctant to be seen to be working with the RCMP.”

“To see this type of cooperation finally taking place, it really warms the heart,” Wood added.

Over 30 RCMP officers were involved in what RCMP call an intensive investigation. They were assisted by numerous RCMP support sections throughout Alberta.

Saddleback and Troy Crier are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, May 21.

Soosay’s next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices