RCMP officers charged in 2025 in-custody death of Yellowknife man

YELLOWKNIFE · Two Yellowknife RCMP officers have been charged in the death of a man who died in their custody last year. The Alberta RCMP, which investigated the incident, announced the charges of criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life. The charges relate to the death of 56-year-old Lawrence Blackduck, a member of the Tlicho Nation. Police responded to a report of a disturbance at a business on 50 Street on the afternoon of March 12, 2025.

Officers found Blackduck showing signs of intoxication and detained him. They placed him in a police vehicle while they gathered information at the scene. When they returned to the car, they discovered he was unresponsive. "Life-saving measures were immediately performed and EMS contacted," the RCMP said. Despite these efforts, Blackduck was pronounced dead at the location.

The officers involved are Const. Nick Ash and Const. Brent Young. Both have been arrested and now face charges of causing death by criminal negligence and failure to provide the necessities of life. The RCMP stated that both officers are immediately suspended from duty. They are scheduled to make their first court appearance in Territorial Court on November 24, 2026.

Chief Superintendent Dyson Smith, the commanding officer of the Northwest Territories RCMP, expressed his condolences. "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. Blackduck," Smith wrote. He described the incident as "deeply troubling" and said any allegations of wrongdoing are fully investigated to maintain public trust. Following the death, the RCMP conducted an internal review and requested an independent examination by a national operations unit. This review led to changes in national policy and training curriculum at the RCMP Depot related to detaining people in vehicles. The Northwest Territories does not have an independent police watchdog, so Alberta RCMP investigators were called in to handle the case. "This is a difficult day for our organization and the communities we serve," Smith said. "We recognize the seriousness of this incident and remain committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining public trust and confidence." The RCMP did not provide specific details about the officers' alleged actions that resulted in the criminal charges.

With files from Global News, The Globe and Mail and APTN News