“This will never be over for our family. A deep hole has been left in our hearts forever, but we need to find this individual and bring closure to our brother’s death,” said Tonia Karahalios, in reference to Richard Joseph Lacarte, 47, (see photos below).
Lacarte iswanted on a Canada-wide warrant for second degree murder in connection with the March 8, 2014 death of Karahalios.
“Our brother Demetrios was a caring, thoughtful and generous human being, who was taken from us far too soon. This will never be over for us. He was an important and much loved member of our family and we miss him terribly.”
Lacarte, who was known to Karahalios, led a “drifter lifestyle” and has been known to work in the roofing industry from time to time to support himself.
He is described as being a Caucasian male, 5’9” tall and 150 pounds. He has blue eyes and grey hair and is missing some teeth. Lacarte has tattoos that include Harley Davidson wings on his left bicep (see picture below), a skull and crossbones and a tiger.
Given the length of time that has lapsed since Karahalios’ murder, EPS Homicide investigators are concerned Lacarte may have assumed a new identity.
“Our concern is that Mr. Lacarte has assumed a new identity and might have been taken in by someone who is unaware that he is wanted for murder,” said Det. John Tedeschini, of the EPS Homicide Section.
“For this reason, we are appealing to the public, Canada-wide, to take a hard look at whom they may be letting stay or “couch surf” at their residence. We are also requesting homeless shelters, and social agencies that may have come across Mr. Lacarte to provide information on his whereabouts.
“The local LGBTQ community and the Edmonton Police Service Sexual Minorities Liaison Committee, have been extremely helpful since the outset of this investigation. They would like to actively encourage community members who visit LGBTQ community bars, nightclubs, and establishments to be on the lookout for Lacarte. He is known to frequent these locations to play pool and sing karaoke.”
The public is urged to contact the Edmonton Police Service should the accused be located, but do not approach him. Tips can be submitted by contacting EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm
Background:
The Edmonton Police Service has issued a Canada-wide warrant for the arrest of Richard Joseph Lacarte, 47, for second-degree murder in connection with the death of Demetrios Karahalios earlier this year.
Karahalios, 48, was found deceased inside an Oliver neighbourhood residence on March 8, 2014. Due to the ongoing investigation, the cause of death is not being released.
Richard Joseph Lacarte, 47: Canada-wide warrant for second-degree murder.
