Sask. RCMP charge man in Weyburn-area highway shooting death

A 42-year-old Regina man faces manslaughter and firearm charges in connection to a Sept. 12 shooting death on Highway 39 near Weyburn. Jacob Carr reports.

After nearly two months of investigating, Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested and charged a man in relation to the death of Tanya Myers, who was fatally shot while riding in a vehicle near Weyburn.

The 44-year-old was a passenger in one of two vehicles that were struck by bullets while travelling on Highway 39 near Weyburn on Sept. 12.

Police say Chris Fahlman, 42, was arrested in Regina on Nov. 1, following a seven week-long investigation.

Fahlman is charged with manslaughter with a firearm, careless use of a firearm, carrying a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence and occupying a motor vehicle knowing there is a firearm inside.

He made his first appearance in Regina Provincial Court on Nov. 3.

Speaking with reporters Monday morning, Insp. Ashley St. Germaine said the RCMP does not believe there are any additional suspects.

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She added that police have not uncovered any information that connects Fahlman with Myers or to the other occupants of the two vehicles struck by gunfire that day.

St. Germaine noted that despite Fahlman’s arrest, the investigation is still not concluded.

“Now that we’ve made an arrest in this case, there are still other outstanding tasks to take care of to ensure that the matter is fully investigated and prepared to go to court,” she explained.

“Further charges could come, but at this point in time. We’ve arrested the one [suspect], Chris Fahlman, and have laid those charges.”

St. Germaine was unable to comment on what evidence led to Fahlman’s arrest or speak on what he was allegedly doing in the area at the time of the shooting.

“In order to protect that investigational integrity, along with the court process, I can’t speak specifically to what he was doing that day,” she said.

Despite the mystery surrounding the origin of the gunshots over the course of the investigation, Saskatchewan RCMP never issued a public safety alert in this case, citing that the incident didn’t meet the criteria.

“Right now, our investigation, as I said, is still ongoing and there is no increased public safety risk at this point in time,” St. Germaine explained.

The Saskatchewan Realtors Association confirmed that Fahlman was a business partner with the organization and his contract has since been terminated in light of the charges.

The Weyburn Police Service also released a statement to CTV News, expressing gratitude that the investigation led to an arrest.

“[We] can only hope, pending the outcome of the court proceedings, that the family can have some closure to such a senseless and tragic incident,” the statement read.

After Fahlman’s brief virtual appearance in court on Monday, Judge James Korpan adjourned the proceedings to Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m.

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