A tragic incident occurred on a highway in southeastern Saskatchewan as a 44-year-old woman lost her life in a random shooting on Friday night. The RCMP responded to a distress call about a severely injured individual in an SUV on Highway 39 near Weyburn.
According to Insp. Ashley St. Germaine of the RCMP’s major crimes branch, the victim and another woman were traveling in a black Ford Explorer when they heard a loud noise, which was later identified as a gunshot. The investigation revealed that a firearm was discharged, hitting and fatally injuring the passenger, a 44-year-old woman from Weyburn.
The victim’s family has been informed, and the authorities are treating her death as suspicious. The driver, also from Weyburn, was unharmed and is not considered a suspect. The RCMP major crimes unit is leading the investigation, indicating that the shooting seems to have been an isolated incident with no immediate threat to the public.
The exact origin of the gunshot and the type of firearm used are still under investigation. Insp. St. Germaine urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. She also called for witnesses who may have seen anything unusual on Highway 39 or in the vicinity of Weyburn around the time of the shooting to assist in the investigation.
In light of the tragic event, the RCMP advised the public, especially late-night workers like farmers, to remain vigilant by securing their vehicles and belongings. While no other suspicious activities have been linked to the shooting, law enforcement has increased its presence in the Weyburn area for continued investigation.
Highway 39 has been reopened, and authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact them or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
