It appears a Prince Albert RCMP officer charged with first-degree murder provided details to police that would later lead to his arrest.
Corporal Bernie Herman, a 32-year veteran of the RCMP, is charged with murder in the death of 26-year-old Braden Herman of the Clearwater River Dene Nation.
Braden Herman’s body was found in a wooded area north of the city on Tuesday night.
Police say the two knew each other but were not related.
In a Zoom media conference Friday afternoon, Prince Albert Police Chief Jon Bergen gave an update on the investigation.
“Bernie Herman indirectly provided details that we needed to lead us to the victim and lead us to his arrest,” he said.
Bergen also confirmed Braden Herman’s body was found in an area near Little Red River Park and the provincial ministry of justice has appointed two independent observers to oversee the investigation.
Given the fact the 53-year-old Bernie Herman is a long-serving member of the local RCMP detachment, the Prince Albert police chief said the investigation is extremely sensitive in nature.
“I understand that there’s going to be questions and how this could involve somebody who has served and protected the community for so many years to actually be responsible for such a tragic incident. But again, we’re a professional police service and we will continue to provide professional services to our community.”
Chief Bergen said more details on the investigation will be forthcoming next week.
Bernie Herman is next due in court on May 26.
(PHOTO: Braden Herman. File photo.)