From Wetaskiwin RCMP: 

On January 14, 2020 RCMP responded to a fire at Manny’s Hotel. The fire was deemed to be an arson, and resulted in a death. The RCMP Major Crimes Unit (MCU) took over the investigation and has made arrests and laid charges in the death of Joseph Jack Desjarlais (21).

On March 12, the RCMP MCU arrested and charged Levi William Favel (32) with first-degree murder and arson with a disregard for human life.

On March 13, Shane Desmine Potts (30) was arrested and charged with arson with a disregard for human life and accessory after the fact to murder.

Judicial interim hearings have been held and both accused remain in custody.  Favel is scheduled for court today and Potts is scheduled for court on March 19, both in Wetaskiwin.

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Background:

March 12, 2020

Wetaskiwin RCMP would like to advise the public that there is a heavy police presence in the area of 52 Street near Inglewood Drive in the northwest end of Wetaskiwin.

RCMP are asking that the public please avoid the area and refrain from posting photos and/or video on social media.

An update will be provided when available.

Update provided later March 12: 

Wetaskiwin RCMP are no longer on scene in the area of 52 Street near Inglewood Drive.

As a result of an ongoing investigation, Wetaskiwin RCMP, along with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, arrested two subjects without incident at approximately 7 p.m.

Wetaskiwin RCMP would like to thank the public for their cooperation and patience in regards to this incident.

An update will be provided when available.

Related Information:

-Wetaskiwin Motel residents evacuated in the middle of the night

-Human remains found in burnt-our wreckage of suspicious fire