RCMP charge Yellowknife man with murder in connection to death of Breanna Menacho

Yellowknife RCMP have confirmed the death of 22-year-old Breanna Menacho, and have charged Devon Larabie, 27, of Yellowknife with murder in connection with her death.

Menacho had been the subject of a missing person search since Wednesday. She was last seen around 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Butler Road area.

"It's never easy to announce that a missing person's investigation has become a sudden death investigation," said Insp. Alex Laporte, Yellowknife RCMP detachment commander, during a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Larabie has been remanded in custody and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 12, Laporte said.

Laporte confirmed Menacho was the person found dead Wednesday at about 6:50 p.m. at an apartment building on Forrest Drive. Laporte said Menacho was found in what's known as the Lanky Court apartments off Forrest Drive near Franklin Drive.

During the conference he said a suspect was arrested at the time but did not say if that person was Larabie. During questions with media after, he confirmed it was Larabie who was arrested.

Laporte said Yellowknife RCMP continue to investigate, along with the RCMP's major crimes unit and the N.W.T. coroner's office.

"Our hearts go out to the family of Breanna [and] her friends," Laporte said. He added that police are in contact with the family, and said he wanted to "acknowledge their desire to grieve in private."

Laporte did not say if Larabie was the same man arrested in March in connection with the armed robbery of the Circle K convenience story in Yellowknife down the street from Lanky Court.

Watch the RCMP press conference from Friday here:

Menacho's mother confirmed her death on Facebook Friday morning, saying that her daughter's body was found Wednesday evening and sent to Edmonton for an autopsy.

"Breanna was such a giving person, she had the biggest heart and the most kindest soul," the post reads.