Two Yellowknife RCMP officers face charges of causing death by criminal negligence after an investigation into a 56-year-old’s death while in custody in March last year.
In a news release on Friday, RCMP said an investigation by counterparts in Alberta concluded charges should be laid. The officers, Cst Nick Ash and Cst Brent Young, are also accused of failing to provide the necessities of life.
Police named the person who passed away as Lawrence Blackduck. He died on March 12, 2025, a death the Tłı̨chǫ Government acknowledged that month in a short tribute to him.
According to Friday’s statement, police took Lawrence into custody after responding to a report of a man disturbing the peace at a business on Yellowknife’s 50 Street.
“The man was taken into police custody in a police vehicle for investigational purposes while RCMP members were gathering more information on site,” RCMP stated.
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“Upon return to the vehicle, the officers noticed that the male was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were immediately performed and EMS contacted. Despite all attempts to revive him, Lawrence Blackduck, from Yellowknife, was pronounced dead at the scene.”
RCMP said a review of the circumstances triggered an external investigation. RCMP consider an investigation by a separate division of the force to be external, and Alberta RCMP’s major crimes unit was brought in. Charges were ultimately laid.
Police said a subsequent, further review resulted in amendments to national policy and RCMP training “related to in-vehicle detention to address the gaps identified.” Exactly what happened on the day and which changes were made were not specified.
In Friday’s statement, NWT RCMP commanding officer Chief Supt Dyson Smith said RCMP were “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 Blackduck.”
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“The G Division RCMP recognizes that this incident is deeply troubling and that public trust has been shaken. We remain committed to transparency and to being an accountable policing service provider to our communities, our partners and our residents,” Smith stated.
“This is a difficult day for our organization and the communities we serve. We recognize the seriousness of this incident and remain committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining public trust and confidence.”
RCMP declined an interview request regarding the incident and the subsequent changes made, saying the matter was before the courts.
Police did, however, clarify that both officers had been suspended from duty and are scheduled to appear in Territorial Court on November 24.
