Bernie Herman had 32 years’ service with the RCMP. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Plea may be pending hints lawyer in Prince Albert murder case involving former RCMP officer

Jun 9, 2021 | 12:00 PM

A former Saskatchewan RCMP officer charged with first degree murder was not present when his matters were addressed Wednesday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

Bernie Herman’s lawyer Brad Mitchell explained he needed more time to receive disclosure, but mentioned to Judge Morin he “may” be in a position to enter a plea at the next court date on June 16. For the official record, the file has been scheduled as “to be spoken to.”

Herman, 53, is facing a charge of first degree murder in the death last month of 26-year-old Braden Herman. Several of the victim’s family members were in court Wednesday for the short hearing, including Braden’s sister Daphanie Herman.

“I’m just hoping that it’s a guilty plea so we can get justice and we can relax, and my mom can be at ease,” she said.

While not related by blood, the relationship between the victim and the accused has been described as being at one time comparable to one between a father and son.

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However, family and friends have also indicated there was a falling out, and Braden moved back to his home community of Clearwater River Dene Nation, but still continued to receive phone calls from Bernie. Daphanie Herman said she has no idea how her brother’s body came to be found in a densely wooded area near Little Red River Park.

“[Braden] was always avoiding Bernie, no matter what. I dont know how [Bernie] lured him but I know for a fact [Braden] would never go with him,” she said.

Bernie Herman, a longtime member of the RCMP, formally resigned on May 19 and the notice took effect on June 1. Prior to his arrest, he had been working with the traffic services division at the Prince Albert RCMP detachment.

While Herman was not on duty at the time of the incident, Prince Albert Police Service Insp. Craig Mushka told reporters he left work in full uniform with his duty belt on the day it occurred.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell