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RCMP ask for restraint on social media as escaped inmate Denecho King remains at large

RCMP are asking the public to refrain from posting on social media the locations and activities of officers during the search for fugitive Denecho King, as they say this could jeopardize public safety and officer safety.

Description of King updated to include tattoos and a scar on his chest

Denecho King, who was in custody pending charges of second degree murder and attempted murder, has escaped from custody at Yellowknife's North Slave Correctional Centre. RCMP are advising the public not to approach King. (Yellowknife RCMP)

RCMP are asking the public to refrain from posting on social media the locations and activities of officers during the search for fugitive Denecho King, as they say this could jeopardize public safety and officer safety.

King remains at large today after escaping from custody at the North Slave Correctional Centre in Yellowknife Wednesday morning. 

King was in custody after being charged with second-degree murder in the death of John Wifladt and with the attempted murder of Colin Digness in December 2014.

King, 23, is described as 5 foot 8 and 150 pounds, medium build with dark hair and dark eyes. He has a light mustache and a short crew cut.

RCMP updated King's description on Friday to include tattoos and a scar.

Police say King has a tattoo on his upper left forearm that appears to be some kind of writing in a line, inside of the forearm, closer to the elbow. King has a second tattoo on his upper right forearm, also on the inside of the forearm, closer to the elbow.

He also has visible scarring on the left side of his chest.

He was last seen wearing a green shirt and grey sweatpants, though police advise he may have changed his clothing.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call 765-3956.

In the meantime, people in Yellowknife are keeping theirs doors locked and a close eye on their children. Police say Denecho King has a history of violence and should not be approached.

Jeneane Olifie says she is not letting her children outside alone.

"We're just taking precaution with the kids and keeping safe that way," she said Thursday.

Carmen Campbell, who was in Yellowknife on business Thursday, said she was limiting where she went alone in the city.

The N.W.T. Department of Justice isn't providing details about how King managed to escape the North Slave Correctional Centre but say it does know the part of the building from which he escaped. (Mitch Wiles/CBC)

"I come here a lot with work. I like to run outside," she said, adding she was "avoiding the more isolated areas and just sticking to the roads."

The N.W.T. Department of Justice isn't providing details about how King managed to escape the jail but said it does know the part of the building from which he escaped.

It said more details will be released after its investigation is complete.

Anyone with information on King's whereabouts can contact RCMP at 867-765-3956. 

Police warned Thursday that anyone withholding information or assisting King in any way may face criminal charges.