A manhunt for alleged killer Denecho Noel King continues Thursday morning.
Police say the 23-year-old escaped from Yellowknife’s North Slave Correctional Centre around 11:15am Wednesday.
RCMP officers and a canine unit scoured the immediate area for hours Wednesday while also conducting roadside checks along Highway 3 and the Ingraham Trail.
The Multiplex and Fieldhouse were temporarily closed nearby but later reopened.
Police are reminding the public to stay vigilant as King may have changed his clothing to avoid detection. Residents are also warned not to approach him if they see him as he’s considered dangerous.
“King has a long history of violent and drug offences,” said RCMP in a statement Wednesday.
“[He] is considered dangerous and is facing serious criminal charges, the public needs to remain vigilant and report any sightings, or suspicious activity to the RCMP immediately.
“At no time should anyone of the public approach King.”
The escaped prisoner stands 5ft 8in tall and weighs approximately 150 lbs. He’s also described as having a light mustache and short crew cut.
At the time of his escape, police said he was wearing a green shirt and grey sweatpants. A police official later confirmed to Moose FM that he may have been wearing a white tank top.
A HISTORY OF CHARGES
Last May, King was charged with second-degree murder in the death of John Wifladt and with the attempted murder of Colin Digness.
The two were found seriously injured in an apartment at Sunridge Place on Yellowknife’s 51 Avenue. While Wifladt later died in hospital, Digness was medevaced to Edmonton for treatment.
In March of last year, King was wanted on a warrant in connection with an assault and robbery on a Yellowknife taxi driver.
He was subsequently apprehended and brought before the courts along with two others.
In 2011, King served two months in jail for attempting to assault a security guard with a lamp and for uttering death threats. He was later sentenced to 12 months for assault causing bodily harm.
King also has a number of drug possession and mischief charges on his record dating back to 2010.
INCIDENT REVIEW ORDERED
In matters like this, the territory’s Department of Justice says cases are quickly turned over to police.
With that being said however, the department acknowledges it’s responsible for the protection and safety of the public, staff and inmates inside NWT correctional facilities.
Officials say a full critical incident review has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to King’s escape and to identify areas for improvement going forward.
If you know anything about King’s whereabouts, or see anything suspicious, contact Yellowknife RCMP at (867) 669-1111 or call the detachment’s tip line at (867) 765-3956.
You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
