'This was a senseless tragedy': Family of Richard Fernuk, Saskatoon's 9th homicide victim this year, speaks

Leo Roy Daniels, 37, is charged withfirst-degree murder,robbery and unlawful confinement in connection withthe death of Richard Fernuk, 68,Saskatoon's ninth homicide victim of 2019.

Daniels, wearing a white jumpsuit, appeared in provincial court on Thursday to be formally charged. Police say they don't believe he was known to Fernuk.

Fernuk's family came to court to see the man accused of killing their father. They are still struggling with what happened.

"This was a senseless tragedy and I guess I struggle that this is the way that his life ended, that it ended in a horrific situation like this," Lindsey Dahl, the victim's daughter, said in an interview.

Dahlsaid her dad lived in Saskatoon for most of his life and worked a variety of sales-related jobs, retiring about a decade ago but still staying busy doing odd jobs.

Leah Howie says he was a large part of his grandkids' lives.

"He was a dad and a grandfather, he had five grandkids. He had a big sense of humour, he liked hearing jokes, he liked making people laugh, he liked meeting people."

• Saskatoon police investigating 9th homicide of 2019

Fernuk's body was found in an apartment building at 2224 B St. Charles Avenue on Saturday. Police had been asked to check on Fernuk.

Fernuk had goneto the hospital Thursday night complaining of chest pains linked to a pre-existing heart condition, according to police.

He received treatment and checked himself out four hours later, police said.

Daniels will return to court Aug. 13.