Update - Homicide 2200 Block St Charles Avenue


August 8, 2019 10:07 AM

Members of the Saskatoon Police Service Major Crime Section have charged a 37-year-old Saskatoon man in connection with the August 3rd, 2019 death of 68-year-old Richard Fernuk.

The man was arrested on August 7th, 2019 and is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court this afternoon. He is charged with First Degree Murder, Robbery and Unlawful Confinement. (Court Information # 991100188).

Investigators do not believe the victim and suspect were known to each other.


August 6, 2019 8:10 PM

The victims name was spelt two different ways in the media release, his name is Richard Fernuk. The release has been resubmitted with the corrections made below:

Members of the Saskatoon Police Service, Major Crime Section are investigating a weekend death as a homicide.

On August 3rd, 2019 at approximately 1:20 p.m., the Saskatoon Police Service attended to an apartment complex in the 2200 block of St. Charles Avenue to check on the welfare of a resident. On entering the apartment patrol officers located the 68 year old resident Richard Fernuk deceased in his apartment.

Members from the Saskatoon Police Service Major Crime Section and Forensic Identification Section, with assistance from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, began their investigation. An autopsy was completed  on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 and  Fernuk’s death has been determined to be a homicide. Investigators will not be releasing the cause of death.

Major Crime investigators were able to determine that on evening of Thursday, August 1st, Richard Fernuk after visiting friends was suffering chest pains relating to a preexisting heart condition. Fernuk called 911 and requested an ambulance. At approximately 11:00 p.m. Fernuk was transported to St. Pauls Hospital where he was examined and treated. After receiving treatment Fernuk  approximately 4 hours later requested to be voluntarily discharged from St. Pauls Hospital.

On Friday, August 2nd 2019 at 3:46 a.m. Richard Fernuk is observed on security video leaving St. Pauls Hospital wearing a sleeveless Saskatchewan Roughriders shirt, Jean Shorts, Sandals, and a black baseball cap with the embroidered letters “RF” on the front. Fernuk was also wearing a St. Pauls Hospital wrist band on his right wrist and was holding an stainless steel coffee mug.

Major Crime investigators are requesting assisting from the public. If anyone has had contact with Richard Fernuk  between 3:46 a.m. on Friday morning and Saturday afternoon they are being asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306 975-8300 and ask to speak to a Major Crime investigator.


August 6, 2019 6:56 PM

The date in the previous release was not correct. it should read Friday 2nd August 2019.

Members of the Saskatoon Police Service, Major Crime Section are investigating a weekend death as a homicide.

On August 3rd, 2019 at approximately 1:20 p.m., the Saskatoon Police Service attended to an apartment complex in the 2200 block of St. Charles Avenue to check on the welfare of a resident. On entering the apartment patrol officers located the 68 year old resident Richard Fernuk deceased in his apartment.

Members from the Saskatoon Police Service Major Crime Section and Forensic Identification Section, with assistance from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, began their investigation. An autopsy was completed on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 and Fernuck’s death has been determined to be a homicide. Investigators will not be releasing the cause of death.

Major Crime investigators were able to determine that on evening of Thursday, August 1st, Richard Fernuk after visiting friends was suffering chest pains relating to a preexisting heart condition. Fernuck called 911 and requested an ambulance. At approximately 11:00 p.m. Fernuk was transported to St. Pauls Hospital where he was examined and treated. After receiving treatment Fernuk approximately 4 hours later requested to be voluntarily discharged from St. Pauls Hospital.

On Friday, August 3rd, 2019 at 3:46 a.m. Richard Fernuk is observed on security video leaving St. Pauls Hospital wearing a sleeveless Saskatchewan Roughriders shirt, Jean Shorts, Sandals, and a black baseball cap with the embroidered letters “RF” on the front. Fernuk was also wearing a St. Pauls Hospital wrist band on his right wrist and was holding an stainless steel coffee mug.

Major Crime investigators are requesting assisting from the public. If anyone has had contact with Richard Fernuk between 3:46 a.m. on Friday morning and Saturday afternoon they are being asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306 975-8300 and ask to speak to a Major Crime investigator.


August 4, 2019 12:39 AM

On August 3rd, 2019 at approximately 1:20 p.m., the Saskatoon Police Service attended to an apartment complex in the 2200 block of St. Charles Avenue to check on the welfare of a resident. On entering the apartment the 68 year old resident was found deceased.

Members from the Saskatoon Police Service, Major Crime Section and Forensic Identification Section in cooperation with the Coroners Service are actively investigating this incident.

An autopsy to determine the cause of death has been ordered by the Office of the Chief Coroner and will take place Tuesday, August 6th, 2019.

Police are asking anyone that may have information regarding this incident to call the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 and ask to speak to a Major Crime investigator or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

(Occurrence Number: 19-81197)
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