Two RCMP officers charged in Yellowknife man's custody death

Two Yellowknife RCMP officers have been charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide necessities of life following the death of Lawrence Blackduck, 56, in March 2025.

Blackduck died after officers responded to a disturbance report at a Yellowknife business, detained him while showing signs of intoxication, and left him inside a police vehicle while they gathered information at the scene. When officers returned to the vehicle, they found Blackduck unresponsive. Life-saving measures were attempted and paramedics were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation was led by Alberta RCMP. Following the incident, the RCMP conducted an internal review and made changes to police policy and training related to in-vehicle detentions.

Chief Superintendent Dyson Smith of the Northwest Territories RCMP called the incident "deeply troubling" in a statement released with the charges. "This is a difficult day for our organization and the communities we serve. We recognize the seriousness of this incident and remain committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining public trust and confidence," Smith said. Smith extended condolences to Blackduck's family and community.

The RCMP did not provide details of the alleged conduct that gave rise to the charges, nor has information been released about when the charges were laid, when a court appearance is scheduled, or the identities of the charged officers.

HighOnCity reported in July that an RCMP officer was cleared of wrongdoing in a fatal December 2024 shooting, and in September that an officer faced charges following excessive-force allegations in Atikameg.