Yellowknife (Feb 18/05) - A third man has admitted to his role in the killing of a reputed drug dealer whose charred remains were discovered on the outskirts of Yellowknife in the summer of 2003.

Francis Yukon, 27, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a heavily guarded courtroom Feb. 7.

He was one of four men originally charged with first degree murder in connection with the death of Justin Hai Van Vo, whose body was found by police near the Yellowknife River bridge June 16, 2003.

Dale Coutoreille and Richard Tutin each pleaded guilty to accessory to murder last fall and were sentenced to three and three-and-a-half years in prison respectively.

A fourth man, Gerald Delorme, is scheduled to stand trial for murder beginning in May. A publication ban has been placed on the details surrounding Vo's death until the Delorme case has been resolved.

"The Crown is concerned that any publication or broadcast of the facts may prejudice potential jurors in the Delorme matter," said Crown attorney Caroline Carrasco in court documents.

"The Crown seeks to ensure (Delorme) receives a fair trial by an impartial tribunal, one which has not been biased or influenced by pre-trial information about the case."

A CBC challenge of a publication ban in the Tutin and Coutoreille cases was rejected by a Supreme Court judge in July.

Yukon is scheduled to be sentenced on the manslaughter charge next week.