Authorities are seeking public assistance to identify occupants of a side-by-side vehicle linked to a fatal shooting and multiple injuries on Big Island Lake Cree Nation last December.
Timeline of the December 30 Incidents
Multiple reports of gunshots emerged around 5:10 a.m. CST on December 30, 2025, on the First Nation, located approximately 320 kilometers northwest of Saskatoon. Officers from the Pierceland detachment arrived to find an injured youth at one home. Shortly after, a second injured youth was discovered nearby. Both sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and received hospital treatment.
Investigators determined the two youths were together when shot by suspects in a side-by-side vehicle. Around 6 a.m., another shooting report led officers to a 31-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts by police and emergency medical services, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members identified the victim as Neil Wahpistikwan.
At the same time, officers located a fourth victim—an adult man—receiving medical attention nearby. He had been with Wahpistikwan during the attack and was hospitalized. “My family, they’re hurt right now,” stated the father of the slain man.
Suspect Vehicle Description
Surveillance footage captured the white side-by-side with a black roof used by the suspects. Officials have released video images of the all-terrain vehicle and are urging anyone with information about it or its occupants on the morning of December 30 to come forward.
“People have information about this side-by-side, who was driving it and who was riding in it. They need to talk to police,” said Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, senior investigative officer with the RCMP homicide unit. “I know some people are nervous about speaking to police. I urge you to sit down with our investigators and talk about it. They will listen to you.”
Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures
A dangerous persons alert was issued at 8:23 a.m. and lifted before 5 p.m. that day. Investigators have revisited the community several times in recent weeks, with an increased police presence expected to persist. “You can feel the tension,” noted the Big Island Lake chief following additional gunfire in the area.
Individuals with details are asked to call 310-RCMP or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers.
