Rosthern RCMP charge 25-year-old with second-degree murder

A 25-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of his girlfriend on Saturday.

Rosthern RCMP responded to a complaint of a damaged vehicle resting in a wooded area near Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation, about 16 kilometres north of Rosthern and around 90 kilometres north of Saskatoon, Saturday around 6 a.m.

A media release said the officers found a green minivan with minor front end damage. The RCMP found Jamie Smallchild in the driver’s seat and 33-year-old Jessica Cameron in the passenger seat.

Cameron was pronounced dead at the scene, while Smallchild had minor injuries. Police soon noticed inconsistencies between injuries sustained in the crash versus damage to the minivan.

Smallchild was charged with second-degree murder in connection to Cameron’s death on Saturday.

Rosthern RCMP, RCMP Major Crime Unit South, Saskatoon RCMP Forensic Identification Section and Prince Albert RCMP Traffic Reconstruction all helped in the investigation.

Smallchild is to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Monday.

The media release noted that Smallchild and Cameron were “known to be in a domestic relationship.”

Call for help

Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation councilor  Kevin Seesequasis issued a release on the first nation’s website to ask the public to assist officers in their investigation Saturday.

“I first off want to again extend my personal condolences and the sincere condolences of our Council to the family and friends of Jessica Cameron. I will always remember her as someone who always shared a smile. She will be missed,” he said.

“I have been in close contact with the RCMP at all levels and they assure me they are working hard on this case. They have indicated to me that they are experiencing some difficulty with witnesses and their participation.”

Seesequasis went on to attach a quote from Sgt. Dan Donison of the RCMP Major Crimes Unit.

“We recognize this is an tragic situation for the community — everyone I’ve spoken to had nothing but kind words to say about Miss Cameron,” Donison said.

“I understand that trust is important in a situation like this, and that some people are worrisome of the RCMP. But this was a mom, a sister, someone’s daughter, and it is critical that we have as much information as possible to help us conclude our investigation.”

In a post on Facebook earlier that day, Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation asked its members to keep away from posting on social media or speculating on the situation before issuing the statement.