RCMP seek help in homicide
Police release location, name of victim, name of severely injured survivor
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Friday, March 6, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife RCMP appear to be no closer to solving the mystery of how John Widfladt died Dec. 14.
The Mounties have made another appeal for information from the public, finally releasing Widfladt's name as well as the name of a man who survived, Colin Digness.
Wifladt and Digness were found unconscious in Digness' apartment in the early hours of Dec. 14. Wifladt, 39, later died from his injuries, while Digness recovered from a serious head wound and laceration on his stomach.
In a news release issued Monday, RCMP Const. Elenore Sturko stated the two men were found unconscious in the Sunridge Apartments.
Police have not ruled out the possibility that a third party is responsible for the death and the injuries, however no suspect has been identified at this time, Sturko stated.
Sturko previously stated in a Feb. 16 news release that police weren't ruling out involvement by a third party. That news release followed a Feb. 13 Yellowknifer story in which Digness blamed a third man for his injuries and Wifladt's death.
Yellowknifer asked Sturko why the names of the victims and the location of the homicide were just being released now.
"Nothing has changed. It's just a release of information in regards to the investigation," Sturko said. "We know that the public interest is high and at this time we are asking for public tips."
She added police thought it was important to confirm the names so anybody who provides a tip knows exactly what they're providing a tip about.
In the latest news release, Sturko stated forensic evidence has been carefully gathered and the process of its examination is ongoing.
"A variety of factors have contributed to the need for investigators to be cautious in the amount of information that has been released to the public," Sturko stated.
"The public will be updated where it is possible to provide information while maintaining the integrity of the investigation and court process."
Sturko said she could not speak about any of the evidence seized from the scene, and wouldn't confirm whether or not the evidence includes two swords Digness said were in his apartment the night of the homicide but are now gone.
If anyone has information related to this investigation, they're asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
