The former RCMP officer who has been charged with murder in the death of 26-year-old Braden Herman entered a not guilty plea Wednesday morning.
Bernie Herman, 53, was not present for Wednesday’s court proceedings.
His case was adjourned to December. A preliminary hearing is set for December 13-17 at provincial court.
The alleged incident reportedly happened on May 11.
According to police, Bernie allegedly phoned his coworker May 11 and made disturbing comments that he had killed someone.
Bernie then went to his coworker’s home, located just north of the city. Once he was there, the RCMP was contacted and Bernie was taken into custody.
Bernie allegedly told the RCMP investigators where they could find Braden. RCMP members went to the area, described previously by police as a wooded area near Little Red River Park, and found Braden. Police believe he was shot.
Police believe that the location where Braden was found was also where he died. As it’s located within city limits, the Prince Albert Police Service took over the investigation.
Investigators are not able to confirm the weapon used in this incident at this time, but the police have seized Bernie’s service pistol and other use-of-force equipment. They said he was off-duty at the time of the incident, but believe he was dressed in his full RCMP uniform.
Braden Herman’s family have described him as a “good and bright kid” who loved the outdoors and treated his nephew like his own son. Braden and Bernie are not related but are known to each other.
Bernie Herman is assumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
