Saskatoon

Death of 27-year-old in Battleford being investigated as homicide: RCMP

RCMP have identified the victim as Ryan John Gatzke, and have confirmed his death was the result of a homicide.

RCMP have identified the man as Ryan John Gatzke

RCMP are investigating the death of a 27-year-old man as a homicide. Police say Ryan John Gatzke died on morning of Oct. 18, 2019 and police have notified his next of kin. (CBC)

The death of a 27-year-old man in the town of Battleford, Sask., is being investigated as a homicide, RCMP say.

Ryan John Gatzke died early Friday morning, Battlefords RCMP say.

They are working with RCMP forensic identification services and the major crimes unit to determine how he died, but have determined his death was the result of a homicide.

An autopsy has been conducted by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service. 

Police said Friday they were called to a house on the 100 block of 26th Street W. around 1:30 a.m. CST, where they found a seriously injured man. He later died in hospital.

RCMP are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. to contact police at 306-446-1720 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

There is no threat to public safety at this time, RCMP said Saturday, but residents in Battleford and North Battleford are asked to report any suspicious activity to police.