On Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Maskwacis RCMP received a complaint from the Samson and Ermineskin Fire Department advising police of a structure fire at a rural residence on the Ermineskin Cree Nation. After the fire was extinguished, human remains were found inside the residence.

On Friday, March 25th, 2022, an autopsy was completed by the office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The remains were identified as being Francis Littlechild, a 36-year-old male from the Ermineskin Cree Nation. Police have notified the family of Littlechild.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Littlechild remain under investigation by the Maskwacis General Investigation Section (GIS). Maskwacis GIS are requesting anyone that may have spoken with Littlechild on March 23rd, 2022, or that has video or any information from that evening, to contact the Maskwacis RCMP. At this time, it’s believed this incident has no connection to the recent fires in the Samson Townsite.

Our condolences go out to Littlechild’s family and friends.

If you have any information about the structure fire or Littlechild, please contact the Maskwacis RCMP at (780) 585-4600 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.