On January 1, 2010 at about 5am, the God’s Lake Narrows RCMP Detachment were dispatched to a house fire on the God’s Lake Narrows First Nation.
Upon arrival, police found the house fully engulfed in flames. While on scene, it was learned that a resident was
still inside the house.
The remains of who is believed to be a 26-year-old God’s Lake Narrows resident was later located. The name of the deceased is not being released at this time until positive identification can be made. Autopsy is scheduled today at the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg.
On January 2, 2010, 22-year-old Joey Okemow of God’s Lake Narrows was charged with manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death, and arson disregard for human life. Okemow will be appearing in Provincial Court in Thompson on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 10am.
Members of the RCMP Major Crime Services, RCMP Winnipeg and Thompson Forensic Identification Services and members of the God’s Lake Narrows RCMP Detachment along with the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner continue to investigate.
Update 01/04/10 1:16pm
An autopsy was conducted on Saturday, January 2nd and the individual inside the residence died as a result of injuries sustained by the fire. RCMP continue to work with the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office to establish positive identification.
The investigation continues.
Sgt. Line Karpish
RCMP Media Relations
(204) 983-8497
