Warrant issued in LaFortune case

It has been four painfully long months for the family of Dustin LaFortune since he was dumped off at a Regina hospital with horrifying injuries, but they were elated to hear Monday that police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a suspect in connection with the case.

Following a joint investigation between the Regina and Calgary police services, Dustin Ward Paxton, 30, is wanted on two Canada-wide warrants for arrest on various charges, including aggravated assault and forcible confinement.

"I’m just so excited to know that there’s a warrant out for his arrest," LaFortune’s cousin Marcel said. "It’s taken obviously far too long, but our family’s thoughts are that we’re absolutely thrilled."

A Facebook group, In Support of Dustin LaFortune, with over 48,000 members, was flooded with support and encouragement Monday evening.

LaFortune, 26, moved to Calgary from Winnipeg in 2008 to work for a moving company owned by Paxton.

The pair shared a home in the city’s Highland Park neighbourhood, which served as the base for the company, Two Guys and a Truck.

Initially, nothing seemed amiss to family and friends in Winnipeg. But as time passed, they became concerned when he reported what seemed to be controlling behaviour by the roommate.

By September 2009, LaFortune had lost considerable weight and suffered various injuries he explained as job-related. By February, family stopped hearing from him altogether. In April — just four days before he was dropped at the hospital — a missing-person report was filed in Calgary.

When LaFortune was dumped at Regina General Hospital on April 16, he was barely alive, weighing just 90 pounds, his face smashed and lower lip missing, presumably cut off.

Doctors soon discovered other injuries as the days passed. Police said the victim provided them with the information that eventually led to charges.

"The significance is today is the day that all of those pieces come together," said Regina Police spokesperson Elizabeth Popowich at a news conference held in Regina Monday evening.

"We have said right from the start that it’s impossible to lay the charge without evidence to support the charges and it takes time to gather the evidence."

Police describe Paxton as Caucasian, standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 160 pounds with a medium build. He has brown eyes and hair, along with a goatee. Police believe he may have altered his appearance.

Police remind the public that they should not embark on any form of vigilantism directed at the suspect.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Paxton is being asked to contact the nearest detachment of the RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).