A man wanted in Canada for murder and drug trafficking in Saskatoon since 2022 has been arrested after spending years on the country’s top 25 most wanted list. The Canadian Press
Police arrested Jonathan Ouellet-Gendron, one of Canada’s most wanted fugitives, at Montreal’s Trudeau International Airport on Saturday. Officers from Quebec’s provincial police, the Mascouche Major Crime Unit, and border agents made the arrest as he entered the country. Authorities say he faced several Canada-wide warrants for murder and drug trafficking charges dating back to 2022.
Murder Case in Saskatoon
Saskatoon police first named Ouellet-Gendron as a suspect in May 2022 after a deadly shooting in the 700 block of Melrose Avenue. Officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire and found 29-year-old Brandon Baxandall dead behind an apartment building. Another victim was rushed to the hospital with injuries. Witnesses reported seeing two slim-built men in dark clothes running from the area, one carrying a strapped bag.
Added to Most Wanted List
In May 2023, Ouellet-Gendron was ranked 10th on the Bolo Program’s list of the top 25 most wanted fugitives in Canada. That same month in 2022, police charged him with first-degree murder in Baxandall’s death and warned the public not to approach him, saying he was armed and dangerous.
Connections and Court Outcomes
The case also involved Mohamed Abdula Ali, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Baxandall’s death. He was sentenced to six years in prison in 2024. Police believe the shooting and related crimes were linked to drug trafficking activities in Saskatoon.
Detailed Police Footage
Late last year, Saskatoon police released an eight-minute video showing parts of their investigation. The footage included dashcam video from a police cruiser pulling up to the scene, with a person performing CPR in the background. Officers with rifles entered the building and cleared units. Still photos showed three recovered handguns seized within hours of the homicide investigation starting.
Next Steps for Ouellet-Gendron
Police say Ouellet-Gendron will appear in a Montreal courthouse to face proceedings before being transferred to Saskatchewan. Authorities have not confirmed how he managed to evade capture for nearly three years or where he was before his return to Canada.
