REGINA – A man accused of killing a Saskatchewan RCMP officer during a traffic stop is now facing a murder charge.
The Crown has upgraded a charge of manslaughter against Alphonse Stanley Traverse to first-degree-murder.
Marlene Velma Louise Pagee was also charged with manslaughter in the case.
Crown Prosecutor Adam Breker says he anticipates later today changing the charge against Pagee to being an accessory after the fact.
Const. Shelby Patton died in June after he was hit by a vehicle in the town of Wolseley, east of Regina.
RCMP have said the 26-year-old, who was stationed at the nearby Indian Head detachment, had stopped a suspected stolen truck before he was killed.
Saskatchewan RCMP commanding officer, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said the Major Crime Unit North has remained committed to this investigation since June.
“This includes conducting further witness interviews and completing forensic examinations. As the result of continuous work and consultation with Crown Prosecution, the adult male is now charged with one count of first degree murder,” Blackmore said in a release.
“The RCMP community and Indian Head rallied around our officers and local detachment and have announced wonderful tributes to an exceptional police officer. Time continues to pass, but we will not forget the ultimate sacrifice of our friend and colleague, Cst. Patton,” Blackmore added.
The RCMP release added that both Traverse and Pagee have remained in custody since their arrests.
Traverse appeared in Regina provincial court on Friday morning and Pagee will appear at 2 p.m. Friday afternoon.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2021.
— with files from Global News