Four found dead in home on First Nation in southern Saskatchewan

Four found dead in home

Photo: The Canadian Press

Manitoba RCMP headquarters is shown in Winnipeg, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

Four people have been found dead in a home on a First Nation in southern Saskatchewan, RCMP said Tuesday.

Officers with the File Hills Police Service found the bodies after they were called in the morning to the home on the Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, east of Regina.

An initial investigation determined the deaths to be suspicious, Mounties said, but they didn't provide details about a possible suspect.

Four hours later, RCMP said they received reports about a man pointing a gun at people on Zagime Anishinabek, formerly known as the Sakimay First Nation, roughly 95 kilometres away.

They identified that suspect as Keagan Panipekeesick, 29, who is described as having blue eyes, brown hair and a tattoo of tears on his upper right arm.

RCMP say it's not confirmed if the gun pointing at Zagime is connected to the deaths at Carry the Kettle, but people in the area were asked not to approach suspicious characters or pick up hitchhikers.

"Saskatchewan RCMP is carefully monitoring this situation, which has included continual assessment as to whether a dangerous person alert is required," the RCMP said in a statement.

"At this time, we continue to ask the public to remain vigilant."

RCMP said the investigation was continuing and there would be an increased police presence at Carry the Kettle.

Chief Scott Eashappie with the First Nation declined an interview but wrote on social media there had been a break-in and a homicide on the north side of the reserve. He asked community members to stay clear of the area and contact police with any information.

"Please pray for our nation and our families," Eashappie said.