Three Men Fatally Shot at Rural Turtleford Property, Community in Deep Mourning
A devastating tragedy has shaken the quiet community of Turtleford, Saskatchewan, following a triple shooting that occurred on November 5, 2025, at a rural property northwest of Turtleford. The incident has left three men dead and an entire region struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss and unanswered questions surrounding what police have described as a “targeted and violent event.”
Victims and Their Identities
Among the three victims was 28-year-old Tonio Cantell, a resident of Island Lake First Nation, located northeast of Turtleford. Tonio was known within his community as a caring, energetic young man with deep family roots and a warm spirit that drew people to him. Friends describe him as someone who could make anyone laugh — a devoted son, brother, and friend who always looked out for those around him.
The other two victims, both adult males, have not been publicly identified due to privacy protections and at the request of their families. Authorities confirmed that the individuals were found at the same property as Cantell, and all three men were pronounced deceased at the scene. The Saskatchewan RCMP stated that no additional victims were located, and there is no evidence to suggest an ongoing threat to public safety.
The Scene and Initial Response
Emergency calls were made shortly after 8:00 p.m. on November 5, reporting gunfire at a property situated roughly 15 kilometers northwest of Turtleford, a small rural town surrounded by farmland and forest. Officers from the Turtleford RCMP detachment, supported by nearby Maidstone and Lloydminster detachments, responded to the scene alongside paramedics and local fire services.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered three men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to render aid, all three were confirmed deceased shortly thereafter. The area was immediately cordoned off as investigators began processing the scene. The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation, supported by the Forensic Identification Section and the North Battleford RCMP.
Investigation and Current Status
Police have not yet disclosed the motive or possible suspects, but early information indicates the shooting was not random. Investigators are conducting interviews with witnesses and collecting evidence from the property, including firearms and surveillance data from nearby rural roads.
RCMP officials have also stated that autopsies are scheduled to be conducted at the Saskatchewan Coroners Service in Saskatoon later this week. Results from those examinations may provide additional insight into the timeline and nature of the incident.
Community Reaction
The shooting has deeply impacted residents of Turtleford and surrounding communities, many of whom have never witnessed violence of this magnitude. Flags at the local town hall and Turtleford Community School have been lowered to half-staff in remembrance of the victims.
Chief and Council of Island Lake First Nation issued a public statement expressing grief and solidarity with the families. “We are heartbroken by the loss of Tonio Cantell and the other young men whose lives ended too soon,” the statement read. “Our community stands together in mourning and in hope for justice.”
Family members of Tonio Cantell have spoken through social media, describing him as “a man full of love and laughter” and asking the public for privacy as they grieve. Candlelight vigils are being planned in both Island Lake and Turtleford, where friends and neighbors will gather to honor the memory of the three men and support one another through the tragedy.
A Region in Mourning
For many residents, this tragedy feels personal — a reminder of how quickly violence can fracture even the most peaceful of communities. Turtleford, a town known for its close-knit population and farming heritage, now finds itself united in grief and reflection.
The RCMP continue to urge anyone with information about suspicious activity near the property that evening to come forward. As investigators work to uncover what led to the fatal shootings, the focus for many remains on supporting the victims’ families and remembering the lives lost.
Though details remain limited, one truth is clear: the small community of Turtleford, Saskatchewan, will carry the weight of this heartbreaking event for years to come, remembering Tonio Cantell and the two men whose lives ended far too soon on that cold November night.
