Statement by Prince Albert Police Service on the Investigation into the Death of Taya Sinclair

On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, the Prince Albert Police Service released information about the homicide of 24-year-old Taya Sinclair. In that release, we confirmed that Taya had been the victim of a homicide and that her body was located burnt in Prince Albert.

Although this information is correct, and both investigators and Victim Services were with the family at the time of the release, all details of her death had not yet been shared with Taya’s family before they were released publicly. Due to the sensitive nature of this information and the extreme trauma Taya’s family is suffering at this very difficult time, the public release of these details resulted in surprise and added anguish for her family.

For that, we are immensely sorry. Our error has left Taya’s family with more questions and pain, and this is unacceptable.

We extend our sincere apologies and regret the premature release of these public details. It is never easy to speak with family about the loss of a loved one, but we should always be clear in the information that is provided. In this instance, we did not ensure Taya’s family was fully aware of the circumstances before we released information publicly, and we recognize the stress and heartbreak this has caused her family and friends, and our community.

We are committed to the investigation into Taya’s tragic death and work to bring those responsible before the courts. We are committed to keeping Taya’s family well informed by investigators, and supported by our Victim Services Unit.

This is what Taya’s family, and all families, deserve from police. We must and will do better.