Saskatoon homicides in 2018 match high point reached twice in past decade

Saskatoon recorded ten homicides in 2018, a double-digit tally previously reached in 2010 and 2016.

Suspects are in custody in eight of the deaths.

"We are seeing more firearm-related offences, we are seeing just the level of violence becoming more severe in offences," said Alyson Edwards with the Saskatoon Police Service.

"Oftentimes the violence we're seeing involves drugs, it involves domestic violence, it involves some sort of gang activity, so it could be any or all of those things."

The city has averaged six homicides a year since 2006.

In the majority of the deaths, Edwards says, the victim and accused knew each other.

The number of homicides could easily have been higher were it not for prompt medical attention and some luck, she adds. The difference between an aggravated assault and murder can be the timing and location of a blow.

"We're maintaining ten or under, but in a growing city with growing drug issues, we may see that number increase," she said.