3 wounded in La Loche shooting released from hospital

Three of the victims of the shooting in La Loche are now out of hospital, leaving four people still recovering in Saskatoon.

As the wounded leave the hospital, RCMP officers are also starting to leave the community where the devastating incident happened Friday. Four people were killed in a shooting at a home and the community’s high school.

“The investigation for the most part is winding down. Our Major Crimes unit has departed,” said Superintendent Grant St. Germaine.

He clarified there’s still an increased police presence in the community. The investigation is still ongoing, he added, but initial forensic work at the two crime scenes has been finished.

Discussions are also happening in the community whether an extra layer of protection should be added to the high school in the future.

“The school division is prepared to add security to the school by placing someone inside who will build relationships with staff and students to add a sense of security to the high school,” explained Donna Johnson with the Ministry of Education.

Whether that’s a school resource officer or an RCMP officer is really up to what the residents of La Loche want.

“What presence, what level of security does the community want? What do the parents want?,” she said of how the decision will be made.

Johnson said talks are also happening with parents and community leaders regarding when classes can resume and where. She said it’s unlikely school will start back up for kids within the next week-and-a-half.

A couple of trauma specialists are making their way to La Loche Wednesday as well, including a professional from Washington, D.C.