Charges against man upgraded to second-degree murder in woman’s death at Turnor Lake

A 25-year-old man from Turnor Lake has been charged with second-degree murder after the body of 21-year-old Shalayah Montgrand was found at a home in the northern hamlet on Friday.

Saskatchewan RCMP said in a news release that officers from Buffalo Narrows and La Loche RCMP detachments were called to the home around 2:55 a.m. on May 8, and found the injured woman.

Police said Darian Montgrand was arrested outside the home and paramedics declared Shalayah Montgrand dead. Her family has been notified.

The man charged was scheduled to appear by CCTV in Meadow Lake Provincial Court on May 11.

In a news release on May 11, RCMP said the man had also been charged with three counts of possession of firearm and ammunition contrary to conditions and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

As of July 6, the charges against Darian Montgrand have been upgraded to one count of second-degree murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 6 at La Loche Provinical Court.

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Editor’s note: This story was updated on July 6, 2026, to include the name of the accused and update the charges that have been upgraded against him.