Two RCMP officers are facing criminal charges in connection with the death of a man in police custody in Yellowknife last year. The N.W.T. RCMP announced on Friday that the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit completed an investigation into the officers’ actions. The officers have been arrested and charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life. They will be immediately suspended from duty, according to the release.
The officers remain unnamed in the RCMP statement, but court documents obtained by CBC News reveal their identities as Nicholas Ash, 32, and Brent Young, also 32. The investigation was initiated after Lawrence Blackduck, 56, died in the back of an RCMP vehicle in downtown Yellowknife on March 12, 2025, following his arrest in response to a disturbance report at a business on 50th Street. Blackduck was found intoxicated at the scene, arrested, and placed in the police vehicle while officers gathered more information.
Upon their return to the vehicle, Ash and Young discovered Blackduck unresponsive. Despite attempts to revive him, Blackduck was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the incident, N.W.T. RCMP requested an external investigation by Alberta RCMP, a common practice for in-custody deaths. Ash and Young are scheduled to appear in N.W.T. Territorial Court on Nov. 24.
Chief Supt. Dyson Smith, the commanding officer of N.W.T. RCMP, expressed deep sorrow over Blackduck’s death and extended condolences to his family and friends. The incident has led to a loss of public trust, and the RCMP is committed to transparency, accountability, and rebuilding public confidence. An internal review has been conducted to address any deficiencies in policy, training, or procedures, resulting in changes to police training related to in-vehicle detention.