KEHEWIN - A woman who sustained "suspicious injuries" was found dead outside a residence in Kehewin Cree Nation on Feb. 13.
Bonnyville RCMP were dispatched to the residence, and the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit was deployed and took carriage of the investigation, according to information from RCMP.
"Over the course of an extensive investigation, involving assistance from Bonnyville RCMP, St. Paul RCMP and St. Paul RCMP Forensic Identification Services, a suspect was identified in connection to the death of Ricci Youngchief, a 35-year-old resident of Kehewin Cree Nation," according to RCMP.
An autopsy is scheduled for Feb. 17 at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Edmonton.
On Feb. 13, Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit arrested Johnathan Bezanson, 35.
"He has been charged with second degree murder. He was taken before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 18, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Bonnyville," according to information from RCMP.
Alberta RCMP are thanking members of the public for their help during the investigation, and expressed condolences to the Youngchief family, as well as to the members of Kehewin Cree Nation.
