Suspect charged following homicide investigation in Maskwacis

MASKWACIS -- A homicide investigation in Maskwacis has resulted in charges being laid against a 32-year-old woman.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Mar. 19, 2026, when police discovered the body of 29-year-old Shane Buffalo deceased inside a residence on the Ermineskin Cree Nation. This resulted in a major police operation unfolding in the area of Range Road 244, between Township Roads 460 and 454 for several hours as various police units were called in. 

"The investigation identified a possible suspect who had fled the scene with a firearm," said RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney. "Numerous resources were called in to assist, and a short time later, the suspect was located in the area and taken into custody." 

The search for the suspect was aided by RCMP Traffic Services, Wetaskiwin RCMP, Maskwacis RCMP, Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, RCMP Police Dog Services, and the Emergency Response Team. Cpl. Slaney says charges were officially laid against the suspect on Mar. 20, 2026.

"Shaunelle Okemow, a female resident of Louis Bull Tribe, was charged with the second-degree murder of Shane Buffalo," said Cpl. Slaney. "She was remanded into custody and will appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin on March 26, 2026."