Two Arrested in Saskatchewan First Nation Shooting Deaths

A man and a boy have been arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of four people on a First Nation in southern Saskatchewan.

Darrius Racette, 18, faces four counts of first-degree murder. The youth, who cannot be identified, was also charged.

The victims were identified as Tracey Hotomani, 34; Terry Jack, 51; Sheldon Quewezance, 44; and Shauna Fay, 47. They were found dead in a home on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, east of Regina, on February 4.

The accused were arrested on Tuesday. Racette was taken into custody in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and the boy was arrested at Carry the Kettle.

RCMP said investigators are confident the home was targeted. They did not provide details about whether the accused knew the victims or a possible motive.

“I understand from the outside, it might seem like this wasn’t a quick resolution, but I think it’s important the public realize investigations like this are incredibly complex,” said Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, the commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP.

Shortly after the bodies were discovered, Mounties said they received reports of a man pointing a gun at people on Zagime Anishinabek, about 95 kilometers from Carry the Kettle.

Keagan Panipekeesick was charged with firearms offenses, and RCMP said they were working to determine if the cases were linked.

On Wednesday, Mounties said there was no link.

“The RCMP communicated the two incidents together, as we wanted the people living in those areas to be aware of any potential threats and to remain vigilant while the investigations unfolded,” said Insp. Ashley St. Germaine.

“As the investigations have unfolded, we’ve determined that those two incidents are not related.”

Racette is to appear Thursday in court in Yorkton.