An investigation by Alberta RCMP into the in-custody death of a man in Yellowknife last year has resulted in charges being filed against two RCMP members.
On March 12, 2025, Yellowknife RCMP responded to a report of a man disturbing the peace at a business on 50th Street.
Police were able to locate the man, who reportedly showed signs of intoxication, and he was taken into police custody in a police vehicle while RCMP members gathered more information on site.
Upon returning to the vehicle, the officers noticed the man was unresponsive and began preforming life-saving measures and contacted EMS. Despite attempts to revive him, the man, 56-year-old Lawrence Blackduck of Yellowknife, was declared dead on the scene.
“We are deeply saddened that a man lost his life while in police custody, and extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and community of Mr. Blackburn,” said G Division RCMP Commanding Officer, Chief Superintendent Dyson Smith.
G Division RCMP requested that an external investigation be conducted, a common practice in the case of an in-custody death. Alberta RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit was assigned to the investigation.
As a result of this investigation, two officers have been arrested and charged with causing death by criminal negligence and failing to provide the necessities of life. Both officers are suspended from duty immediately and will appear in court next month.
“The G Division RCMP recognizes that this incident is deeply troubling and that public trust has been shaken,” said Smith.
An Independent Officer Review was also conducted as a result of this incident, which resulted in amendments to national policy and the RCMP Depot training curriculum related to in-vehicle detention.
