Police continue search for suspect one year after Edmonton man’s murder

WATCH ABOVE: It’s been one year since a prominent member of Edmonton’s LGBTQ community was found dead inside an Oliver home. As Shallima Maharaj reports, the man wanted in Demetrios Karahalios’ death hasn’t been found. 

EDMONTON — One year after the death of a man who friends say was a pillar of Edmonton’s gay community, police are still searching for the man they believe is responsible.

Demetrios Karahalios, who was better known to his friends as “Coco” or “Jimmy,” was found dead inside his Oliver home on March 8, 2014. Police later confirmed his death was a homicide, but the cause of his death hasn’t been released due to the ongoing investigation.

Homicide detectives continue to search for Richard Joseph Lacarte, who police believe was responsible for Karahalios’ death. Police say the 48-year-old led a drifter lifestyle, but was known to Karahalios. Given the length of time that has passed since Karahalios’ murder, police are concerned Lacarte may have assumed a new identity.

While officers have received numerous tips from across the country on Lacarte’s whereabouts, police say none of the tips have produced any tangible leads.

“The fact the accused remains at large is a source of concern for investigators, not to mention the emotional toll it continues to take on the Karahalios family and his friends,” said Det. John Tedeschini of the EPS Homicide Section.

READ MORE: Suspect in Edmonton murder may have assumed a new identity

On Sunday, friends of Karahalios will gather for a public vigil to honour the 48-year-old. Friends have described him as the life of the party who would never hurt anybody.

“Everyone is welcome to join us to help keep the memory of this wonderful man alive,” said organizer and friend Jimmy Dexter. “We all want the same thing – closure. There’s a void in our community.

“Demetrios didn’t deserve this fate. He was a man with a huge heart, who wouldn’t hurt a soul, and his memory deserves justice and nothing less.”

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READ MORE: Friends honour man friends call a pillar of Edmonton’s gay community

Sunday’s vigil is open to the public. It will be held in Peace Garden Park, located at 103 Avenue and 120 Street, at 7 p.m.

In the months following Karahalios’ death, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for Lacarte’s arrest on a second-degree murder charge. Lacarte is described as Caucasian, 5’9″ and about 150 pounds. He has blue eyes, grey hair and is missing some teeth. He has several tattoos, including Harley Davidson wings on his left bicep, a skull and crossbones and a tiger.

Anyone who sees Lacarte is asked to immediately contact police. Tips can be submitted to the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.