North

Death of Carmacks man deemed a homicide

RCMP have confirmed that the body recovered near Fort Selkirk last week is that of Wilfred "Dickie" Charlie, age 57.

Wilfred 'Dickie' Charlie was reported missing on June 19th; his body was found near Fort Selkirk on July 5th.

Fort Selkirk lies near the confluence of the Pelly and Yukon rivers. The body of 57-year-old Wilfred 'Dickie' Charlie was found near the historic site on July 5th. (Karen McColl/CBC)

The death of a missing man in Carmacks, Yukon, is now being deemed a homicide.

RCMP have confirmed that the body recovered near Fort Selkirk last week is that of Wilfred "Dickie" Charlie, age 57.

Charlie was last seen near his home on June 19th. Police, search and rescue volunteers and community members took part in efforts to locate him. 

Charlie's body was spotted in the Yukon River last Wednesday, after being discovered by a group of river travelers.

It was believed he fell into the Yukon River, but results from an autopsy performed in Vancouver last Friday is causing police to call the death a homicide. 

The RCMP Major Crimes Unit is investigating and police are asking for anyone with information about the case to call them.

This murder marks the 9th homicide investigation in the Yukon in the last 12 months.

Of the nine cases, four have led to arrests. None have made their way through the courts yet.