Saskatoon Police are requesting public assistance in locating a man believed to be responsible for the city’s most recent homicide investigation.
As a result of the investigation to date, a warrant for second degree murder has been issued for 30-year-old Justin Troy Ballantyne (DOB 1990/09/14). Investigators believe he may be in the Saskatoon area but is known to have associations to the Prince Albert area. Ballantyne is described as 6’1″ tall and weighs 157 lbs. He is believed to be armed and should not be approached. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.
Ballantyne is wanted in connection with the shooting and murder of 22-year-old, Brandon Applegate that occurred in the early morning of October 4, 2020. At approximately 7:20 a.m. Saskatoon Police received a 911 call regarding an injured person at a business in the 1000 block of 8th Street East. Patrol officers and Medavie Health Services responded to the area locating the injured and unresponsive 22-year-old male laying in the roadway at the intersection of Clarence Avenue South and 8th Street East. The injured male was transported to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Yesterday, an autopsy was performed confirming that the cause of death was the result of a gunshot wound. Investigators believe that the victim and accused were known to each other.
Saskatoon residents who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Justin Ballantyne or this homicide are asked to call the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 and ask to speak with an investigator in Major Crime or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.