Alberta RCMP has laid a first-degree murder charge in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred more than three years ago in remote northern Alberta.
The charge comes after a major crimes investigation into the July 17, 2023 death of Trevor Fournier, 48, who was found dead at a residence on Child Lake First Nations, approximately 712 kilometres north of Edmonton.
High Level RCMP officers initially responded to a call at the home and discovered Fournier had died from a gunshot wound. The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit assumed control of the investigation to pursue leads and gather evidence.
On Saturday, investigators arrested 21-year-old Jardin Cardinal, also from Child Lake First Nations, and formally charged him with first-degree murder in connection with Fournier's death.
Cardinal has been held in police custody pending his court appearance. He is scheduled to appear before a judge in High Level court on Thursday to address the serious charge.
The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in remote northern communities and the length of time sometimes required to build cases for serious criminal charges. First-degree murder convictions carry mandatory life sentences in Canada without parole eligibility for at least 25 years.
The investigation marks a significant development in a case that has remained unsolved for over three years, bringing potential closure to the community affected by the death.
This article is based on reporting from the Edmonton Journal.