Update - Homicide - Clarence Avenue & Eighth Street East - Charges Laid

The Saskatoon Police Service, Major Crime Section have charged a 30 year old Saskatoon male with Second Degree Murder in connection with the October 4, 2020 death of 22 year old Brandon Applegate.

On October 4, 2020 at approximately 7:20 a.m. Police responded to a business in the 1000 block of 8th Street East for the report of an injured person. Emergency responders on arrival located the victim, identified as 22 year old Brandon Applegate, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to hospital where he died of his injuries.

The accused was arrested yesterday evening by members of the Saskatoon Police Service, Guns and Gangs Unit at a residence in the 200 block of Avenue L South. Investigators believe this incident was not random and that the accused was known to the victim. The 30 year old male is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court Tuesday morning. (Court Information #991141683)


October 7, 2020 2:38 PM

Saskatoon Police are requesting public assistance in locating a man believed to be responsible for the city’s most recent homicide investigation.

As a result of the investigation to date, a warrant for second degree murder has been issued for Justin Troy Ballantyne, DOB 1990/09/14. Investigators believe he may be in the Saskatoon area but is known to have associations to the Prince Albert area. Ballantyne is described as 6'1" tall and weighs 157 lbs. He is believed to be armed and should not be approached. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency. 

Ballantyne  is wanted in connection with the shooting and murder of 22-year-old, Brandon Applegate that occurred in the early morning of October 4, 2020. At approximately 7:20 a.m. Saskatoon Police received a 911 call regarding an injured person at a business in the 1000 block of 8th Street East. Patrol officers and Medavie Health Services responded to the area locating the injured and unresponsive 22-year-old male laying in the roadway at the intersection of Clarence Avenue South and 8th Street East. The injured male was transported to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Yesterday, an autopsy was performed confirming that the cause of death was the result of a gunshot wound. Investigators believe that the victim and accused were known to each other.

Saskatoon residents who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Justin Ballantyne or this homicide are asked to call the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 and ask to speak with an investigator in Major Crime or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

A photograph of Justin Ballantyne is attached for distribution.


October 4, 2020 5:04 PM

Members of the Saskatoon Police, Major Crime Section are actively investigating an early morning death as a homicide.

At approximately 7:20 a.m., October 4, 2020, Saskatoon Police received a 911 call regarding an injured person at a business in the 1000 block of 8th Street East.

Patrol officers and Medavie Health Services responded to the area locating an injured and unresponsive 22 year old male laying in the roadway at the intersection of Clarence Avenue South and 8th Street East.  The injured male was transported to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Saskatoon Police, Major Crime and Forensic Identification Sections were called out and are continuing their investigation along with the assistance from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service. An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

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 an investigator in Major Crimes or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.


October 4, 2020 2:58 PM

Traffic restrictions in the area of Clarence Avenue South and 9th Street East pertaining to this matter have now been lifted. The Saskatoon Police Service wishes to thank the motoring public for their cooperation while the investigation was underway in that area.

Further updates will be made when more information is available.


October 4, 2020 1:24 PM

On October 4, 2020, at approximately 7:25 a.m., Saskatoon Police Service patrol members attended with Medavie Health Services to a commercial property on the 1000 block of 8th Street East regarding an injured male.

Members from the Saskatoon Police Service Major Crimes Unit and Forensic Identification Unit are actively investigating the incident.

Traffic restrictions are in place around the area of Clarence Avenue South and 9th Street East. Motorists are asked to be mindful of barricades and plan alternate routes if they intend to drive in the area north of the intersection of Clarence Avenue and 8th Street East.

Further updates will be made when more information is available.

(Occurrence Number: 20-103457)