'No easy words': Shock of 2 homicides, 1 suspicious death hits Yukon legislature

Yukon politicians are grappling with ​three sudden deaths in the city. 

RCMP identified Wendy Margaret Carlick and Sarah MacIntosh as the two women found dead at a residence on April 19 in the McIntyre subdivision. Police believe both women were the victims of homicide. Last week police also deemed the death of Greg Alvin Dawson as suspicious. The 45-year-old was found dead in the Riverdale area on April 6.

• RCMP identify two women found dead in Whitehorse and say they are investigating

• Death of Whitehorse man deemed suspicious, RCMP say

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Mayor Dan Curtis said he knew Dawson for 35 years.

"I know that in our community... the degrees of separation are so small, it's absolutely almost frightening," Curtis told CBC on Monday.

"It's almost impossible to be from Whitehorse and not know the name of MacIntosh or Carlick or Dawson."

In the territorial legislature on Monday, MLAs from all three parties voiced support for the family and friends of the victims, and commended RCMP for their work investigating the crimes.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the First Nations governments and their people during this very difficult time in their communities," said Jeanie Dendys, minister responsible for the Yukon Women's Directorate. Dendys also represents the Mountainview riding, which includes the McIntyre subdivision. 

"Your government has reached out to the First Nation governments, the First Nations governments are leading the responses," she said.

NDP Leader Liz Hanson called the violent deaths of two women "unacceptable".

"There are no easy words in this kind of situation. Every person in this room has been touched by violence. We must bring it to a stop."

Violence growing?

Police say both women lived in Whitehorse and MacIntosh was a member of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Whitehorse RCMP have said they do not consider the public to be at risk.

• Mother of murdered Indigenous woman is 1 of 2 victims in Whitehorse homicide, family says

"Not one of us in our community of 29,265 aren't kind of questioning the safety of our citizens," Curtis said.

"It's absolutely devastating for any community to lose people, especially when it's violent crime."

But he praised the RCMP's efforts, calling Whitehorse police proactive and dedicated.

Curtis also said Kwanlin Dün Chief Doris Bill has been a "fantastic leader," noting that the First Nation has been "way ahead" on helping its members cope with the tragedies, by offering counselling to citizens.

"We're beyond just sharing traditional territory, we have a real bond."

Chief Bill was unavailable for comment.