'Sad and tragic': Gang violence played major role in 2018 homicides Regina police chief

There were six confirmed homicides in Regina last year, with the majority of victims in their 20sand the youngest a 16-year-old girl allegedly killed by another teen.

• Saskatoon homicides in 2018 match high point reached twice in past decade

Regina police chief Evan Bray says the number of slain youthsspeaks to the growing problem of gangs in the city.

"We have a challenge with youth gangs in our city, there's no question about it," he said, adding the youth involvement is"sad and tragic."

Bray saystheprevalence of guns also plays arole in more serious crime.

"We''re investigating fights where an assault happens because someone squeezed the trigger on a firearm and often times those consequences are extremely dire."

No suspects charged

The first homicide happened on Jan. 23, 2018.

Police were called toa residence on the 1000 block ofRetallackStreet around 8:30 p.m.where aman was reported lying outside. They foundRichard Francis Paul Bear, a 27-year-old a father of four, who was pronounced dead.

There are are no suspects in custody in the case.

As well, no suspects have been chargedin the death of2017 victimsThurstonJamesMintuckand Kelvin KimPasap.

• The names and faces of Regina's 9 homicide victims of 2017

Asked about unsolved cases, Bray says investigations into homicides are complex and take time.

In March 2018, the Regina Police Service laid first-degree-murder chargesin connection with a 2016 homicide.

Cody Michael Gordon, 26, and Jeremiah TheodoreStonechild, 26, were charged in the 2016 death of Mackenzie ParkerKeshane, 19.

Man fatally shot during home robbery

Justin Langan, 40, was shot in his home during a Sunday night robbery onFeb. 18, 2018.

Natalie Langan, his sister, spoke after his death and cried as she called Langan her protector. She told CBC she would remember him for his uncanny sense of humour and hard working attitude.

Police charged Donald Chad Pelletier, 34, and Chad Barre, 31, with first-degree murder and other offences in connection with Langan's death.

Man killed in April

Police were called to a home the evening of April 5, 2018 for reports of an injured man on the 1100 block of King Street. Sampson Thunder Goodwill-Severight, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Justin Christopher Ford, 22, andRaganMarleeLavallee, 18, have been charged with second-degree murder.

• Man and woman facing second-degree murder charge after death Thursday in Regina

In his obituary, people were asked to make donations in his name to the Regina Humane Society.

Man fatally shot while trying to steal gun

ShawnCoghill, 35, died during an attempt to steal a gun around 1:00 a.m. on May 23 2018.

Court heardCoghilland another man broke into a home to steal thegun. However,BrentStaceeCreelywas in the basement andshot Coghill as he came down the stairs.

Creely, 26, was originally charged with second-degree murder.

The murder charge was stayed, buthe was found guilty of careless use of firearm, two counts of possession of an unauthorized weapon and possession of a firearm contrary to a court order.

Mother calls for justice

A 15-year-old boy was charged with second-degree murder in the death of a girl, 16.

The girl's mother spoke at agatheringafter the death and said"my daughter needs justice and I'm going to fight until she gets it."

She knelt in the grass and cautioned the youth around herin a circle against peer pressure. She also asked people to remember her daughter's smile and big heart.

• Crown may seek adult sentence for 15-year-old charged with 2nd-degree murder of 16-year-old girl

The teens cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Fatally shot

Miguel Lucas Antoan Lane, 21,was shot and later died in hospital on Oct. 24, 2018. Police charged AustinYates, 22,with second-degree murder in the death.

After his death, a friend said Lanewas an "amazing guy who wanted the best for people around him."