Accused murderer Kirk Keeping facing more charges

The man accused of killing Chantel John in Conne River is facing a list of new charges, including impaired driving and breaching orders.

Six new charges were added next to Kirk Keeping's name on the docket Wednesday morning, when he appeared in provincial court in Grand Falls-Windsor.

These new charges accompany his first-degree murder charge in John's death, as well as attempted murder charges against a second woman.

Added on Wednesday were:

• Two counts of uttering threats.
   
• Breach of probation.
   
• Breach of recognizance.
   
• Impaired driving.
   
• Breach of remand order.

The 35-year-old Keeping, of St. Jacques-Coombs Cove, has yet to enter a plea to any of the charges he's facing.

John's death prompted an outpouring of grief in the small Miawpukek First Nation reserve, and around the island.

WATCH | Chantel John's aunt speaks after decision that Kirk Keeping won't be eligible for parole for 16 years: 

Chantel John’s family say they have some closure but still think of her last moments before murder

3 months ago

Duration 1:30

Veronica McDonald says there is some relief following the decision that Kirk Keeping must serve 16 years before being eligible for parole. Keeping killed Chantel John, a member of the Miawpukek First Nation, in 2019. McDonald, John’s aunt, tells the CBC”s Troy Turner the last few years — and the violent way her life ended — have been excruciatingly hard on the family.

Members of her family were in the court to follow the proceedings, including cousin Danielle Bungay.

"My heart sinks every time I think about it. I can't get her out of my head."

Bungay said it helps to talk about it with family and hopes being open about what happened can help others escape domestic violence.

"Out of her tragedy, I hope that she can bring awareness to people, not only women but men, who are in an abusive relationship, to talk to somebody and do whatever you can to get out of it."

After John's death, people hung red dresses, a symbol for murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls in Canada, from trees.

John was described as a "beautiful soul" by Miawpukek Chief Mi'sel Joe, who said her death was traumatic for the community.

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