Second-degree murder charges laid for the death of Stanley Mission man

A 45-year-old man from Stanley Mission is dead and another is facing second-degree murder charges after a standoff in the community.

According to an RCMP media release, Stanley Mission RCMP received a request to conduct a welfare check on an adult male Saturday at approximately 4:30 p.m. Officers from the local detachment, along with health workers in the community, attended the residence and attempted to contact the adult male.

Police noted attempts to speak with the male, who was the subject of the welfare check, were unsuccessful and officers instead spoke with another adult male inside the residence. As officers were about to enter the residence to search for him, they heard the sound of a firearm being loaded.

Officers immediately retreated to a safe location with the health workers and the area surrounding the perimeter of the residence was secured to help maintain public safety.

The Saskatchewan RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Crisis Negotiators were called to assist, and Sunday at 5:15 a.m., the adult male surrendered to police and was arrested. RCMP seized one firearm from the residence.

Jamie Leroy Roberts was found dead in the residence and officers confirmed he was the subject of the welfare check and the victim of a homicide. RCMP noted evidence examined during the investigation determined the homicide of Roberts occurred prior to police being contacted. Upon the discovery of the deceased, the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit North was called to assist and assumed the investigation.

An autopsy has been ordered by the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service.

Kane Lenard Roberts, 26, was charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a dead body. He was remanded into custody and appeared in court Monday. Kane Roberts’ next court appearance is set for Oct. 26 at 9:30 a.m. in La Ronge.

“It was tragic circumstances that resulted in RCMP Crisis Negotiators and ERT assisting with this call for service. Incidents like this reinforce the importance of effective communications and de-escalation to safely resolve the situation,” Supt. Ted Munro, the Saskatchewan RCMP North District Commander and Incident Commander, said in a media release.

“Effective de-escalation and negotiation with the suspect over a 12-hour period was critical and officers were able to safely take the suspect into custody.”

MCU-North continues to investigate with assistance of the Prince Albert, Saskatoon and La Ronge RCMP General Investigation Section, Prince Albert RCMP Forensic Identification Services, Stanley Mission and La Ronge RCMP detachments and the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service.