RCMP search for truck related to homicide

Ram stolen in North Battleford believed to be involved in Laverdiere investigation

SASKATOON The RCMP Major Crime Unit is searching for a truck believed to be related to the homicide of Tiki Brook-lyn Laverdiere, an Edmonton woman who was found dead more than two weeks ago.

An RCMP news release said the truck of interest is described as a black standard transmission 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck with faded paint and a white sticker across the top of the rear window.

It is regular cab size, meaning it only has a single row of seats and a single door on each side of the vehicle.

It bears the Saskatchewan licence plate 333 KLC.

The truck was reported stolen in North Battleford on May 2, but is believed to be in the area near Cochin or the Mooseman First Nation.

RCMP are asking anyone who sees the vehicle or has information about it to contact their local police service or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 1-800-222TIPS (8477).

Laverdiere was reported missing on May 12. At the time, RCMP said she had been visiting the North Battleford and Thunderchild First Nation areas to attend a funeral on April 27. After the funeral, she reportedly said she wanted to go back to Edmonton, but wasn’t heard from after she last had contact with her family on May 1.

According to police, an RCMP canine unit found Laverdiere’s remains on July 11 during a ground search in a rural area outside of North Battleford.

Three people have since been charged in her death.

Shayla Orthner, 27, and Danita Thomas, 32, both of North Battleford, were each charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, improperly interfering with a human body and theft of a motor vehicle.

Brent Checkosis, 18, of North Battleford was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to murder, improperly interfering with a human body, and theft of a motor vehicle.

RCMP have said more arrests are expected in the coming weeks.