Brandon Man Guilty of Murder After 3 Years

Jeremy John Blacksmith was found guilty of second-degree murder today in Brandon. This verdict comes nearly three years after the death of 21-year-old Blaze Tacan.
By Newsroom | Crime, Manitoba |

Courtroom Verdict in Brandon Trial

Jeremy John Blacksmith, 43, a member of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, has been found guilty of second-degree murder. The verdict came after a trial in Brandon concerning the death of 21-year-old Blaze Tacan, who was shot in the head with a sawed-off shotgun nearly three years ago.

During proceedings, Blacksmith offered conflicting accounts to authorities. He initially told police the victim shot himself, then claimed a youth was responsible, before admitting he himself fired the fatal shot. This admission, considered against his interest, formed a crucial part of the case against him. Blacksmith also pleaded guilty to three weapons charges earlier this year, on January 16, 2026.

Conflicting Testimony and Evidence

Details emerging from the trial paint a complicated picture of the events. The judge, in delivering the verdict, noted that Blacksmith's testimony regarding the shooting shifted multiple times. Evidence presented included residue found on the hands of an unidentified youth, a detail mentioned by the judge. The case stems from an incident reported in November 2022 at a residence in Sioux Valley.

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It is important to distinguish this case from that of another individual, Ernest Blacksmith, also of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. On May 20, 2025, Ernest Blacksmith pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Brandon Court of King’s Bench. This separate incident involved a disturbance at a home in Sioux Valley where a 30-year-old woman was found with serious injuries and pronounced dead at the scene. A pre-sentence report was ordered for Ernest Blacksmith. The circumstances of these two cases, while involving individuals from the same community, appear distinct in their charges and resolutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was found guilty of second-degree murder in Brandon and why?
Jeremy John Blacksmith, 43, was found guilty of second-degree murder in Brandon for the death of 21-year-old Blaze Tacan. Blacksmith admitted to firing the fatal shot after initially giving conflicting stories to police.
Q: When did the death of Blaze Tacan occur?
Blaze Tacan died in November 2022 after being shot in the head. The trial concluded with a guilty verdict nearly three years later.
Q: What were the key pieces of evidence in the Jeremy John Blacksmith trial?
The judge noted Blacksmith's testimony changed multiple times. He eventually admitted to firing the shotgun that killed Blaze Tacan. Evidence of residue on a youth's hands was also mentioned.
Q: What weapons charges did Jeremy John Blacksmith plead guilty to?
Jeremy John Blacksmith pleaded guilty to three weapons charges on January 16, 2026. This was separate from the second-degree murder charge for which he was just found guilty.
Q: How is this case different from Ernest Blacksmith's case?
Ernest Blacksmith, also from Sioux Valley, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on May 20, 2025, for a separate incident where a woman died from serious injuries. The charges and circumstances in the two cases are distinct.