RCMP investigate homicide on First Nation in northern Alberta

The RCMP Major Crimes Unit is investigating after a northern Alberta assault case became a homicide investigation because the victim died.

Officers from the Fox Lake RCMP detachment were dispatched to a complaint about someone uttering threats on the Fox Lake Reserve on Monday. Police said officers then found the victim of a “serious assault.”

The person was airlifted to the nearby Fort Vermilion Hospital to be treated for their injuries but later died. RCMP declined to disclose details about the victim or what happened to them.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

In a news release issued Thursday, police said the major crimes unit was brought in to help once the victim died.

Fox Lake is a remote community in northern Alberta’s High Level area, and is part of the Little Red River Cree Nation. It’s about 550 kilometres north of Edmonton as the crow flies, or about 800 kilometres by road.

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call the Fox Lake RCMP detachment at 780-659-2081 or to call their local police department.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or contacting them online.