Greg Alvin Dawson's death a homicide, but RCMP see 'no obvious connection' to 2 other deaths

Whitehorse RCMP offered few new details at a Tuesday news conference about their investigation into three recent deaths in the city, but did confirm that the death of Greg Alvin Dawson is now being treated as a homicide. Police had earlier said Dawson's death was "suspicious."

But Insp. Archie Thompson said there was "no obvious connection" between Dawson's killing and a double homicide last week in the McIntyre subdivision. The bodies of Wendy Carlick and Sarah MacIntosh were found in a residence on April 19.

Thompson also re-iterated that police have no reason to believe the public is at risk, but provided no further explanation.

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He acknowledged "there's been a great deal of speculation" in the community about the cause and circumstances around the deaths, but said police are not ready to provide details.

"As you can imagine, there's a lot of information coming in," Thompson said. "Police work is fact-driven."

Thompson said 35 investigators have so far been involved. They've spoken to more than 100 people around the territory and taken 55 statements, he said.

But Thompson urged other possible witnesses to contact them.

"Please come forward," he said. "Don't assume that we already know it."

'Opened old wounds'

The news conference was hosted at the Kwanlin Dün First Nation offices in the McIntyre subdivision, with Kwanlin Dün Chief Doris Bill also addressing the media.

"This tragedy has opened old wounds in this community," Bill said. "These crimes must be solved."

She paused several times while speaking, apparently overcome by emotion.

"These lives mattered. They mattered to our community, to the families. They were somebody's mother, brother, sister, father."

Bill also encouraged people to come forward if they have any information that might help investigators, and she pledged the First Nation's support to help police solve the crimes.

"I'm aware that some people do not have faith that these cases will be solved, especially when you look at Angel Carlick's case and how long that's taken," Bill said.

Angel Carlick — the daughter of Wendy Carlick, one of last week's victims — disappeared 10 years ago in Whitehorse. Her body was found a few months later but her death is still unsolved.  

Bill also said Tuesday that the First Nation is looking to step up its community safety initiatives, including patrols. She said the First Nation has already seen results from those initiatives that have been ongoing in recent years. 

"We are committed to improving the safety and security of our citizens," she said.