Police have now named the woman who lost her life in a perplexing shooting incident on a Saskatchewan highway last week. During a press briefing on Tuesday, the RCMP disclosed that the victim was Tanya Myers, aged 44, and conveyed a heartfelt message from her family. The family expressed their shock and sorrow over Tanya’s tragic death, highlighting her deep bond with her nine cats, whom she rarely left behind as she cared for them devotedly.
The unfortunate event occurred on Friday when Myers and another female companion were driving towards Weyburn, Sask., on Highway 39 in a Ford Explorer around 8 p.m. CST. Myers, seated in the passenger side, was fatally struck by a bullet, as confirmed by the RCMP. The shooting took place approximately three kilometers northwest of Weyburn, in close proximity to the Richardson Pioneer and Viterra grain terminals and elevators.
In a plea to the individuals responsible, the family urged for accountability and closure, emphasizing that Tanya deserves justice and her family deserves answers. An inspector from the RCMP’s major crimes unit stated at a press conference on Saturday that their investigation indicated that someone had shot at the Ford Explorer, hitting the passenger, in what seemed to be an incident lacking a clear motive.
Clarifying the circumstances further, RCMP Supt. Joshua Graham mentioned on Tuesday that while the shooting may not be entirely random, it also does not appear to be a targeted attack. He suggested various possibilities, including accidental discharge or a stray shot intended for something else, like an animal or a target.
A subsequent report revealed that another vehicle, an SUV, had also been targeted along the same stretch of Highway 39 the night before. The SUV driver reported hearing what sounded like rocks hitting their windshield, followed by a flat tire discovered the next day. Although the connection to the initial shooting is unclear, the incident was reported due to its timing.
Further investigation by the RCMP’s forensic team confirmed that the SUV’s tire had indeed been shot. The driver of the SUV, who was near the Ford Explorer during the shooting, was unaware of the incident and had no prior acquaintance with its occupants. The RCMP’s major crimes unit is now appealing to the public for any security footage that may aid in the investigation, particularly from properties along Highway 39 and Highway 13 between 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. CST on the night of the incident.
Residents or individuals present in the area during that timeframe are encouraged to come forward with any relevant information. Graham emphasized the importance of finding the truth behind the incident, whether it was a result of carelessness, recklessness, or intentional harm, underscoring the need for closure for the grieving family.