The number of homicides in Saskatchewan dropped significantly last year, but the province still topped Canada’s list for gang-related killings.
Saskatchewan’s rate of gang-affiliated murders in 2012 was higher than any other Canadian province, according to new data from Statistics Canada.
Saskatoon had the highest rate of gang-related killings among all Canadian cities. The city’s rate was nearly triple the national average as five of the city’s six murders in 2012 were gang related.
Regina finished third in the category with Thunder Bay falling between the two Canadian cities.
At least two of the gang-related killings in Saskatoon saw victims who were not involved with gangs.
Lorry Anne Santos was gunned down by a member of the White Boy Posse who went to the wrong house and Macdonald George was killed outside a downtown night club as he tried to break up a fight.
Saskatchewan’s 29 overall homicides were nine less than in 2011.
Canadian police recorded 543 homicides across the country last year — 55 fewer than 2011.
