‘There’s just so many unanswered questions’: candle light vigil held for Prince Albert homicide victim

A homemade wooden cross, surrounded by flowers, candles, and small stuffed toys marks the spot where a 26-year-old man’s body was found less than three weeks earlier.

Over 30 of Braden Herman’s family members and friends, from various locations across Saskatchewan and Alberta, traveled Saturday to the secluded and densely forested area. Rena Lemaigre drove on her own from La Loche to Prince Albert to say goodbye to the man; someone she considered one of her closest friends.

“On my way here, I was overwhelmed and I was kind of like, in shock, knowing what’s gonna happen and where his body was found. It was devastating,” she said.

Herman’s body was found on May 11. The man accused of committing first-degree murder, Bernie Herman — while not related by blood — was someone Braden once looked to as a father figure. Lemaigre recalled the two were very close, and at times lived together, but added they had a falling out and Braden moved back to his home community.

“Whenever me and Braden were together hanging out, [Bernie] used to call him from a blocked number constantly, like every two to five minutes,” she said. “There’s just so many unanswered questions.”

Police revealed Braden Herman was shot and killed, and it was the accused who told officers where they could find the body. For Lemaigre, she thinks about her best friend’s final moments.

“How my friend was scared and how he passed. It’s just so hard,” she explained.

Guests carried candles in memory of Braden Herman. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Donald Herman, one of Braden’s older brothers through adoption, also traveled from La Loche and explained he really appreciated everyone coming out to support the family.

“For my grandmother, especially, because she is taking it pretty hard,” he explained.

Reflecting back on his own experience being at the spot where his brother’s body was found, Donald acknowledged he felt quite uncomfortable.

“I just don’t like being in this area,” he said.

Bernie Herman is scheduled to make his next court appearance on June 9. The longtime member of the RCMP has been on suspension with pay since May 13, when he made his first court appearance. Six days later, he served notice of his resignation, which takes effect on June 1.

— Story by paNOW’s Nigel Maxwell