Saskatoon police are searching a site near the South Saskatchewan River northeast of Saskatoon. Photo: Leanne Sanders/APTN.
As investigators scour a section of the South Saskatchewan River, they say an eighth person in connection with the murder and disappearance of Megan Gallagher, 30, has been arrested.
The Métis woman disappeared in September of 2020. Police declared the case a homicide but her body hasn’t been found and investigators have not said what they believe happened to her.
Police said Robin Tyler John, 34, was arrested while at a correctional facility in Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation on an unrelated sentence. He’s now in custody in Saskatoon and will appear in provincial court on Friday police said.
John is charged with unlawful confinement and aggravated assault of Gallagher.
According to the police statement, investigators “anticipate additional arrests as the investigations progress.”
The announcement comes as police search an area near Saint Louis, Sask., a small village 125 km northeast of Saskatoon.
It was announced shortly after Robert Thomas, 27, one of two people charged with murder in Gallagher’s death, was taken into custody.
Police have set up a command post on the shores of the river and have invited officials from the Water Security Agency to take part in the search.
A number of civilian search and rescue personnel, members of the provincial protective services, and K-9 teams from the Calgary Police Service are assisting in the search.
Forensic anthropologist, Ernie Walker of the University of Saskatchewan is on stand by if Gallagher, or anything suspicious is found.
Members of Gallagher’s family are in the area and monitoring the search efforts.
Investigators said the search will take place over four days, concluding on Sunday, Oct. 2. Police are asking the public to avoid the area as it is a potential crime scene.
The other person charged with first-degree murder in Gallagher’s death is Cheyann Crystal Peeteetuce, 29.
Another five, including John, are facing a variety of charges including forcible confinement and offering an indignity to human remains.
With files from Leanne Sanders
