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Murder charge laid in death at Samson Cree nation

Feb 19, 2019 | 10:43 PM

A central Alberta man has been charged with murder in the death of a woman at the Samson Cree First Nation.

Maskwacis RCMP responded just after 3 a.m on Feb. 15 to a report of an unresponsive female at a residence on the Samson Cree nation. She was later declared deceased by EMS.

An adult male victim was also located with minor injuries. Another male was arrested and taken into custody without incident. 

The RCMP Major Crimes Unit with assistance from the Red Deer Forensic Identification Section (FIS) and Serious Crimes Branch continued to investigate. An autopsy Tuesday morning in Edmonton determined Shavannah Krystal Buffalo, 33, died as a result of a homicide.

Sheldon Joseph Jonah Applegarth, 34, of Wetaskiwin has been charged with first degree murder, aggravated assault, and two counts each of unlawful confinement and sexual assault. 

He was remanded into custody and his next court appearance will be on March 5 in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court via CCTV.  

While the investigation continues, the RCMP can confirm that they are not seeking any other suspects in relation to this incident.

Police will be releasing no further details.