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Colin Thatcher

Colin Thatcher is a Canadian former politician and rancher from Saskatchewan who was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1983 killing of his ex-wife, JoAnn Wilson.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Colin Thatcher is a Canadian former politician and rancher from Saskatchewan who was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1983 killing of his ex-wife, JoAnn Wilson. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for 25 years and later released on parole after serving about 22 years. Thatcher has consistently maintained his innocence.

Background

Colin Thatcher was a Saskatchewan politician and former cabinet minister, and the son of former Saskatchewan premier Ross Thatcher. Before the murder case, he was a public figure in provincial politics.

Murder case and trial

JoAnn Wilson, Thatcher's ex-wife, was murdered in Regina on January 21, 1983. Her body was found in her garage. Thatcher was arrested in 1984, tried for first-degree murder, and convicted later that November.

Sentence and parole

He received a mandatory life sentence with no parole eligibility for 25 years. After appeals were denied, he was granted day parole and then full parole in 2006.

Public response and legacy

The case attracted major media attention in Canada and remained controversial because Thatcher continued to deny involvement. It has been discussed in books, documentaries, and other true-crime coverage.

Key facts

  • Thatcher was convicted in November 1984 of first-degree murder in the killing of JoAnn Wilson.
  • Wilson was found dead in her Regina garage on January 21, 1983.
  • The case became one of the best-known murder cases in Saskatchewan.
  • Thatcher was sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for 25 years.
  • He was granted full parole in 2006 after serving about 22 years.
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Canadian context

Thatcher's case was a major Canadian criminal case, centred in Saskatchewan, and it remains part of Canadian political and true-crime history.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Colin Thatcher?
He is a Canadian former politician and rancher from Saskatchewan who was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his ex-wife, JoAnn Wilson.
What was Colin Thatcher convicted of?
He was convicted of first-degree murder in November 1984.
Who was JoAnn Wilson?
JoAnn Wilson was Thatcher's ex-wife. She was killed in Regina on January 21, 1983.
What sentence did Colin Thatcher receive?
He was sentenced to life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.
Was Colin Thatcher released from prison?
Yes. He received full parole in 2006 after serving about 22 years.
Did Colin Thatcher admit guilt?
No. He has consistently maintained his innocence.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Thatcher
    Supports: Birth date, occupation, conviction, sentence, and parole information.
  2. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news2/background/thatcher_colin/
    Supports: Timeline of the murder case, conviction, sentencing, appeals, and parole.
  3. UPI — https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/11/06/Thatcher-guilty-of-slaying-wife/4000468565200/
    Supports: Contemporary report of the guilty verdict and life sentence.
  4. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/thatcher-murder-case/article1096452/
    Supports: Timeline of the murder case, including the death of JoAnn Wilson and the 1984 conviction.