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Murder charge laid in death of Lutsel K'e woman
Daniel Campbell
Northern News Services
Published Monday, July 15, 2013
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife RCMP have arrested and charged David Harrison, 28, with first-degree murder in the death Yvonne Desjarlais, 63, of Lutsel K'e in December 2012.
David Harrison arrives at the Yellowknife courthouse on July 12 after being charged with first-degree murder. - Cody Punter/NNSL photo |
RCMP announced on July 12 they apprehended Harrison without incident on July 11 at approximately 9 a.m.
RCMP won't comment on the details of the arrest or Desjarlais' death as they are part of an ongoing investigation.
Desjarlais was found dead on the morning of Dec. 30 in an alley off 53 Street and Frankin Avenue. When not living at her home in Lutsel K'e, Desjarlais often spent time in Yellowknife, either on the streets or living in shelters. She was described as a kind and loving soul by friends and family.
Desjarlais was both a mother and grandmother.
Insp. Frank Gallagher, Yellowknife RCMP detachment commander, said the RCMP has been in contact with family and friends of Desjarlais about their investigation.
"On behalf of the RCMP, I'd like to express our condolences to all of Yvonne's family and friends," Gallagher said.
"The issue of missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls is a great concern for the RCMP and we're asking anyone who has friends and family of missing persons to ensure that you report it to police in your area."
Gallagher urged anyone with any other information on Desjarlais' death to report it to Yellowknife RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
Harrison has a lengthy criminal record, including a vicious stomping against a cellmate in Yellowknife's drunk tank in April 2010. RCMP picked up Harrison on April 27, 2010, when he was walking drunkenly down Franklin Avenue in Yellowknife. He was combative with RCMP, calling them "pigs."
After Harrison was brought into his cell that night, he walked over to another man in the cell, who was semi-conscious, and proceeded to stomp on his head and kick him several times. The assault was caught on video. Harrison pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 600 days in jail.
Harrison appeared in Yellowknife territorial court on July 12 relating to the first-degree murder charge. His next appearance is on Sept. 17.
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