Two RCMP officers charged after man dies in custody in Yellowknife

Nicholas Ash and Brent Young face criminal negligence causing death charges after Lawrence Blackduck, 56, died in a police vehicle in Yellowknife on March 12, 2025.

Two Yellowknife RCMP officers charged over in-custody death of Lawrence Blackduck

Two RCMP officers have been arrested and charged with criminal negligence causing death after a 56-year-old man died in the back of a police vehicle in downtown Yellowknife, cbc.ca reports.

Court documents obtained by CBC News identify the officers as Nicholas Ash, 32, and Brent Young, also 32. Both face an additional charge of failing to provide the necessaries of life and have been suspended from duty immediately, according to an N.W.T. RCMP news release issued Friday.

Lawrence Blackduck died on March 12, 2025, after being arrested following a reported disturbance at a business on 50th Street. Officers found Blackduck at the scene showing signs of intoxication, placed him in a police vehicle, and left him there while they gathered more information on site.

When Ash and Young returned to the vehicle, Blackduck was found unresponsive. Attempts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

N.W.T. RCMP subsequently requested an external investigation by the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit, which the release describes as "common practice when an in-custody death occurs." That investigation has now concluded, leading to the charges.

Ash and Young are scheduled to appear in N.W.T. Territorial Court on November 24.

Chief Superintendent Dyson Smith, commanding officer of N.W.T. RCMP, said in a written statement that the division is "deeply saddened" by Blackduck's death and extended condolences to his family and friends. Smith acknowledged that "public trust has been shaken" by the incident.

"We recognize the seriousness of this incident and remain committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining public trust and confidence," Smith said.

RCMP also confirmed the incident triggered an internal review to identify gaps in policy, training, or procedures. Changes have since been made to police training around in-vehicle detention.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)