Man charged with assault, unlawful confinement in Gallagher case

A 42-year-old inmate at a Saskatoon correctional facility is the latest person to be charged in connection with the disappearance and death of Megan Gallagher.

Gallager has been missing for more than two years, and six people have previously been charged as the investigation continues. Two people are facing first-degree murder charges, while four others were charged with committing an indignity to human remains.

On Wednesday, Saskatoon police announced the latest charge in the case, as well as details of an upcoming search for Gallagher’s remains along the South Saskatchewan River.

Thomas Richard Sutherland was arrested at a correctional facility in Saskatoon on Tuesday, where he was serving a sentence police said was unrelated to the Gallagher case. He was taken to a police detention cell and remains in police custody before a court appearance set for Wednesday morning, police said.

“Investigators anticipate additional arrests as the investigation progresses,” police said in a statement.

Search to begin Thursday

Police announced details of a search for Gallagher’s body, which will begin Thursday and is planned to run for four days.

According to police, officers working in consultation with Dr. Ernie Walker, a forensic anthropologist, and officials from Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency have identified an area of the river and its banks in the area of St. Louis.

Police said the search will include civilian search and rescue teams, dog teams, members of the Provincial Protective Services and officers from the Calgary Police Service.

“As this is a search of a potential crime scene, members of the public are advised to avoid the area,” police said in a statement.