Fort Simpson chief calls for public meeting on Billy Cholo case

Liidlii Kue First Nation Chief Gerald Antoine wants the RCMP to explain itself publicly following allegations that the police are not taking the murder of Billy Cholo seriously.

Cholo, 45,went missing in December of2013. His body was found in a gazebo in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., in January of 2014. No charges have been laid.

Antoine has asked the RCMP to hold a public meeting in Fort Simpson to update residents on the status of the investigation.

"People are really expressing concerns, and so in support of the Cholo family we felt that we need to have an update," he says.

"There's no conclusion. No results. There's a lot of speculation."

No further commentfrom police

Antoine's request follows last month's Dene National Assembly, where Senator Nick Sibbeston publicly alleged he brought a promising tip to the RCMP last year, but the lead was never followed up on.

• N.W.T. senator says RCMP failed to follow up lead in Billy Cholo homicide

Sibbestonsaidhe had aconversation last year with aFort Simpson resident who said he had spoken to Cholo prior to his death.

"He said, 'Weeks before Billy Cholo died, Billy came to my house, very afraid,'" Sibbeston told CBC.

"Said this man told him, 'I'm going to kill you.' [Cholo] was very scared and he visited this person twice. Weeks later he was found dead."

The senator saidhe brought this person to the local police detachment, who said the Major Crimes unit would interview him but Sibbeston claims this friend was never again contacted by police.

Bruce McGregor, a spokesperson for the RCMP, said the Major Crimes unit is "following up on the comments made by Senator Sibbeston," but would not comment any further, citing the ongoing investigation.