Quick Read
- Chris Fahlman of Regina was charged with manslaughter after the fatal shooting of Tanya Myers near Weyburn, Saskatchewan on September 12.
- RCMP confirmed there was no known connection between Fahlman and Myers; investigation is ongoing.
- Two vehicles were struck by bullets on Highway 39; forensic analysis linked a flat tire to gunfire.
- Fahlman was arrested in Regina after a month-long investigation and remains in custody.
- A publication ban restricts reporting on evidence presented during bail hearings.
Community Shaken by Highway 39 Tragedy
It was a quiet September evening in southern Saskatchewan when the routine hum of traffic on Highway 39 was shattered by gunfire. For Tanya Myers, a 44-year-old Weyburn resident, the drive would be her last. She was seated in the passenger seat of her friend’s SUV, heading home after a trip. Along the stretch near Weyburn, bullets struck two vehicles, including the Ford Explorer she was riding in. The incident, described by RCMP as a focus of their ongoing investigation, left Myers dead and sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
RCMP Investigation: The Pursuit of Answers
The Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit moved quickly, with a month-long investigation culminating in the arrest of 42-year-old Chris Fahlman, a Regina resident. Fahlman was apprehended during a Saturday morning traffic stop in Regina. The charges against him are serious: one count of manslaughter with a firearm, careless use of a firearm, carrying a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, and occupying a motor vehicle knowing a firearm was inside.
Inspector Ashley St. Germaine, Senior Investigative Officer, addressed the media, confirming that Fahlman and Myers did not know each other. “We are not aware of any direct connection between the accused and the occupants of the vehicles that were struck,” Germaine told reporters, emphasizing that no other suspects are being sought. She added that the investigation is ongoing, with outstanding tasks remaining before the case is ready for court. The RCMP’s consultation with Crown counsel supported the manslaughter charge, which, unlike murder, does not imply intent.
The RCMP credited public assistance and cooperation from local law enforcement—including the Weyburn Police Service, Saskatchewan Provincial Protective Services, and Saskatchewan Marshals Service—for their roles in the investigation. St. Germaine also acknowledged the help provided by the community from the outset, stating, “The public was helpful with the investigation from the very beginning and the RCMP is thankful for their help.”
Details of the Incident: A Sudden, Unexplained Attack
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain shrouded in mystery. On September 12, two vehicles traveling on Highway 39 near Weyburn were struck by gunfire. Myers was a passenger in one of the vehicles, while the other SUV was also hit. The driver of the second vehicle reported hearing two sounds akin to rocks hitting the windshield but found no immediate damage. The following day, upon noticing a flat tire, an RCMP forensic expert determined that the tire had been punctured by a bullet.
What led to the gunfire that evening is a question investigators are still unable to publicly answer. Protecting the integrity of the court process, RCMP officials declined to elaborate on the evidence that led to Fahlman’s arrest or his intentions that day. A publication ban now restricts reporting on evidence presented during bail proceedings.
Notably, Fahlman himself took to social media the day after the incident, reposting the RCMP’s public call-out for information and expressing his outrage at the situation, writing, “What is this world coming to?” The irony of his post became apparent only weeks later with his arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
Fahlman made his first court appearance via video in Regina Provincial Court, where the hearing was brief and adjourned to allow him time to consult with his lawyer. The Crown prosecutor opposed his release, and Fahlman was remanded in custody until a subsequent hearing. His business ties also suffered immediate consequences: following the public announcement of his arrest, the Saskatchewan Realtors Association terminated his contract, barring him from accessing homes through their lockbox services.
Myers’ family, informed by investigators over the weekend, expressed relief that a suspect had been identified, though the loss remains raw. RCMP officials extended their condolences, noting, “Our thoughts are with them as they continue to grieve and process this new information.”
Andrea Morrice, Myers’ friend and the driver of the SUV, has spoken publicly about the ordeal, recalling the confusion and terror of that night. The two women were returning home when their vehicle was struck. Morrice’s account, together with forensic evidence, helped piece together the timeline for investigators.
Lingering Questions and Public Reactions
Despite the arrest and charges, many questions remain. The RCMP have not disclosed what motivated Fahlman or how the events unfolded. His defense lawyer, Robert MacKay, urged the public to reserve judgment, reminding that “everyone has a right to be presumed innocent.” With the case now before the courts, the details may not come to light until trial.
The incident has left Weyburn and surrounding communities grappling with the reality of random violence. For many, the shooting was not just a tragedy—it was a stark reminder of vulnerability on roads that are supposed to be safe. Community members, law enforcement, and Myers’ family all await further developments as the legal process moves forward.
The Weyburn highway shooting stands as a chilling example of how a routine journey can be upended by unforeseen violence. The community’s swift support for law enforcement, and the careful steps taken by investigators, reflect both a commitment to justice and a shared desire for answers. As the case proceeds, the story remains a somber testament to the fragility of everyday life and the importance of thorough, impartial investigation.