RCMP release victim’s name from Weyburn highway shooting

Tanya Myers has been named as the 44-year-old woman fatally shot in the passenger seat of a Ford Explorer travelling on Highway 39 near Weyburn on Sept. 12. RCMP confirmed the autopsy results showed she was shot.

Police read a statement the family released today at a virtual press conference.

Read more:

• Woman dead after SUV shot at from behind on highway near Weyburn: RCMP
• Fatal shooting near Weyburn highway leaves residents ‘devastated’
• Weyburn RCMP looking for man impersonating a police officer

In the statement, Myers was described as an “amazing healer” and “animal lover” who had a fondness for cats.

“She was the best mom to her nine cats. She rarely left home because she had an extensive care routine for her kitties. So this day out of town was rare for her,” said the family’s statement.

The family is in “shock and disbelief” and the loss of Myers will “leave a gaping hole” in their lives and her cats’ lives.

The statement also said Myers kept to herself and it was unusual for her to be out and about.

The family has requested privacy at during this “difficult time.”

The family also had a message to the person or persons responsible for her shooting.

“Please grow a conscience and take responsibility for your actions. Tanya deserves justice and her family deserves answers,” said the statement.

Second vehicle with damage related to fatal shooting

RCMP received a report from someone who was also driving on Highway 39 around the time of the shooting.

“The person reported hearing two ‘pops’ that sounded like rocks hitting the windshield, but there was no damage to any windows,” RCMP said.

The person noticed a flat tire the following day. They were unsure if it had any connection to the ongoing police investigation, but due to the timing, wanted to report it.

The SUV’s tire was examined on Sept. 15 by the Regina RCMP Forensic Identification Section.

“It was determined the tire was damaged by a gunshot,” RCMP said.

Investigators also confirmed the SUV was travelling a close distance behind the Ford Explorer, passed it and continued towards Weyburn after the incident occurred.

The driver of the SUV was unaware of the incident involving the two women in the Ford Explorer, according to RCMP and did not know the women.

RCMP are continuing to investigate the shooting that took place Friday night. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)

RCMP are treating the two reported shootings as one incident.

“It matches up what we’ve been told through witness evidence as well,” said Supt. Joshua Graham.

When asked for more information about the nature of the shootings, police wouldn’t release details about the calibre of the firearm or if more than one was used.

“Although we don’t necessarily think it’s targeted, either it could be accidental. Maybe an overshot of somebody shooting at something like a target, an animal, something like that. At this time, we just don’t know,” said Graham.

Police are also saying no other vehicles have been reportedly shot at the time of the press conference.

RCMP said there is no upgrade to public safety at the time of the press conference.

“If there’s any specific increased public safety threat, we will certainly let the public know. That’s certainly the first and foremost thing on our mind at this point,” he said.

Youth impersonating police officer near Midale ruled out

Police are ruling out any connection with the reported youth driver impersonating a police officer near Midale, which is about 44 km south of Weyburn, Sunday night.

No charges were laid.

The youth cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

RCMP asking for public’s help

Investigators are asking anyone in the area, especially those with buildings or homes along Highway 39 into Weyburn and Highway 13, to check video surveillance or house/doorbell camera footage between 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 12.

“If you note any suspicious people or vehicles or anything out of the ordinary, please call and report it,” RCMP said in a statement.

Tips can be made to 310-RCMP (7267). Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.