Three people facing charges after beating, RCMP looking for other victims

An investigation that spanned eight months has resulted in charges against three people, but also has police saying other victims may be out there.

In a media release Tuesday, the RCMP said the investigation began Oct. 4, when Mounties from the Fort Qu’Appelle detachment and paramedics responded to a call of an injured person who had been found in a field north of Fort Qu’Appelle.

The victim was taken to hospital with severe injuries.

The subsequent investigation determined the victim had met three people outside a Regina nightclub and left with them in a vehicle.

“The victim was beaten, tortured and robbed,” the police release said. “The suspects attempted to access the victim’s bank account. The victim was then taken to a field outside of Fort Qu’Appelle, further beaten and left unconscious. Hours later a passerby saw the victim and called 911.”

On Nov. 5, police searched a home in Wadena and arrested 22-year-old Sheridan Squirrel and 24-year-old Jenna Hoffman. Both were charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery and choking to overcome resistance.

As part of a plea agreement, Squirrel pleaded guilty March 16 to aggravated assault, robbery and forcible confinement and was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in jail. Hoffman is in custody awaiting trial.

On May 20, 24-year-old Austin Severight from the Yellowquill First Nation was charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery and choking to overcome resistance. Severight was arrested in Tisdale on May 25 and appeared in Regina Provincial Court on May 27.

Investigators believe there may be other victims of similar incidents by the three people who have been charged. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call their local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.