Homicide confirmed after vigil held in Dawson
The RCMP have declared a suspicious death in Dawson City last Monday as a homicide.
The RCMP have declared a suspicious death in Dawson City last Monday as a homicide.
According to a brief RCMP statement released today, the death was deemed to be a homicide following the autopsy conducted Friday at Vancouver General Hospital.
The victim has been identified as Kevin Edward McGowan, 41, from British Columbia. Police did not provide his home town.
Dawson Mayor Wayne Potoroka told the Star the homicide has been felt by the community.
He said the town is feeling equal parts of shock, sadness and concern, adding this type of occurrence does not occur frequently.
“Thankfully no, it’s not something that happens often,” Potoroka said.
A vigil was set up for McGowan last Thursday. There were 60 people in attendance. It was held at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre.
The mayor said the community needs to be supportive because there are people who are taking the death hard.
The vigil heard from several speakers, and there was a prayer circle.
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in chief Roberta Joseph shared a few words and an elder said a prayer.
There was also a prayer done by a minister from St. Paul’s Anglican Church. The mayor himself also spoke during the vigil.
Potoroka said these prayer circles are powerful, and a great way for people to come together and support each other. He added it’s a good way to grieve and express sadness.
“It’s really powerful,” Potoroka said.
A memorial has been set up near the scene of the death. It featured McGowan’s name days before the RCMP released it.
The family of the deceased were able to attend over the Internet using the app FaceTime.
The mayor noted McGowan had only arrived in Dawson a few weeks ago.
Despite the short stay, Potoroka said, McGowan had made an impact, and the loss is felt.
He said this is because Dawson is a warm and welcoming community.
“Everybody matters and everybody counts in our town,” he said.
Overall, Potoroka said, he feels regret over what’s happened.
“I just feel really bad and feel sorry for what’s happened,” he said.
“I feel sorry for people, family and friends who are really affected by this.”
The investigation into the homicide is ongoing, with the Yukon RCMP Major Crimes Unit in the lead.
The RCMP are asking that anyone with information to call the Dawson detachment at 867-993-2677.
This is the territory’s second homicide in 2018. A young Whitehorse woman was killed in a Riverdale apartment earlier this year.
Comments (4)
Up 0 Down 1
Roger on May 11, 2018 at 2:39 am
What political, monetary, or other gain would the police have for “fudging the numbers”?
Up 5 Down 2
Max Mack on May 9, 2018 at 4:50 pm
@Roger
Sorry if I offended your delicate sensibilities. It doesn't take a conspiracy. Doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, and coroners . . . they don't make the decision as to whether the police categorize a death as a homicide for their purposes. That's a police decision (although the doctors and coroners may play ball).
And it ain't just about money, and maybe not at all. Did you miss the reference to politics? Try being less selective about what you read so you can score points.
Frankly, I'm surprised you are so "gee gosh" full of simple faith in the integrity of the RCMP. History kinda goes against you there.
But, thanks for your contempt and scorn against a fellow citizen for asking rather obvious questions.
The recent spate of unsolved and fact-sparse "homicides" should be something of interest to journalists. Funny that it isn't.
Up 6 Down 0
Roger on May 8, 2018 at 4:54 pm
You take the sharp rise in homicides as the RCMP redefining the term homicide so they get more money? Yes, I’m sure it’s a country wide conspiracy (including paramedics, nurses, dr’s, coroners, etc) to take natural deaths and fudge numbers, evidence, reports etc., to get more funding. Please.
I will at least give you credit for coming up with a new reason to place the blame on the police.
On a serious note:
My condolences to the family and friends.
Up 0 Down 6
Max Mack on May 8, 2018 at 10:59 am
My condolences to family and friends.
As for "homicide", why no details whatsoever? In the last few years, the RCMP are categorizing an awful lot of deaths as "homicide" - many are reported without any supporting details. Are these drug or alcohol related deaths? Is the RCMP playing fast and loose with the definition of "homicide" for political or funding reasons?