‘It is safe’ says RCMP as they turn to public for help identifying suspects in Battleford homicide

RCMP believe three people were involved in the murder of a 27-year-old in Battleford last week but maintain the community is safe.

The Major Crime Unit North and other specialized RCMP units continue to investigate the homicide of Ryan John Gatzke on Oct. 18, according to a media release.

Police believe some members of the public may have crucial information or evidence that can help identify those involved in Gatzke’s death.

Officers consider the homicide to be an isolated incident and do not believe there is a threat to public safety. They ask anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

The incident surfaced Tuesday evening at a Battleford town council meeting when Mayor Ames Leslie questioned S/Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt, who was in attendance to outline quarterly crime data.

“[Many people want to know] can I go for a walk to the corner store without having to look behind my back,” Ames asked, citing a line in a press release from officers that advised residents to remain “observant.”

Woolfitt could not comment on the investigation as it remains ongoing in the hands of the Major Crime Unit North, but assured lawmakers that Battleford is safe.

“We live in a safe community. We are experiencing issues with certain groups within our communities that are causing some issues. Those issues revolve around issues within those groups,” he said, apologizing for the vagueness. “We do live in a very safe community. I want to reassure people that is safe to go outside, it is safe to go for walks.”

Gatzke was found with serious injuries around 1st Ave. and 26th St. in Battleford around 1 a.m. on Oct. 18. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police announced that his death would be investigated as a homicide the following day.