Local leaders in Mayo, Yukon, urge people to come forward to help solve 2023 double homicide

More than two years after a double homicide in Mayo, Yukon, police have made no arrests in the case — and that's left residents feeling unsafe in their own community, according to some local leaders. 

Benjamin Symington and Michael Bennett were both fatally shot in March 2023, at the C-6 subdivision in Mayo.

"People are still not feeling quite safe," said Chief Dawna Hope of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun.

"Every time we have a gathering we're continuously asked to install cameras, and more procedures — so that we can offer more avenues, or resources for people to contact when they are concerned about activities going on that they're witnessing."

Hope said that since the shootings, the First Nation has installed cameras around the C-6 subdivision, and is currently looking at installing them in other areas around the community. She said it's given some people a small sense of security but it still doesn't address the larger issue remaining for citizens.

"Still knowing that there is a murderer out there, or a double murderer out there, they're very concerned," Hope told CBC News. "And [they] still talk about that. They still feel unsafe until that person's found and we get to the bottom of what happened."

Hope said she understands that people may be hesitant or scared to share any information they might have about the shootings, as Mayo is a very small community. But she said doing so would take the power away from people causing harm, and put it back into the hands of the community.

"Please find somebody who you feel comfortable talking to, and you can provide any information that you may have heard of or have concerns about," Hope said. "You can do that in an anonymous way. All we're trying to do is feel safe in our community again."

Mayo's Mayor Trevor Ellis said he feels powerless when community members ask why an arrest hasn't been made yet, after so much time has passed. Ellis said all he can say is that he trusts RCMP are doing everything they can with the evidence they have.

Like Hope, he's urging anyone with information to go to police.

"I mean, if you're scared of testifying, go to the RCMP and have a discussion with them. To remain silent is to just prolong the situation," Ellis said.

On April 22, Yukon RCMP issued a news release saying police were still investigating the homicide deaths of Symington and Bennett. They also called for people to come forward with any additional information that could help move the investigation along.

"We believe there are still individuals with information" said Cpl. John Gillis of the Yukon Major Crimes Unit, in a statement.

"We know there are individuals who have not been forthcoming with information, and others who are choosing not to co-operate with police. We are appealing to these people to come forward and speak with police to help provide answers and justice for the family and friends of Ben and Michael."