RCMP Major Crimes Unit identify person who died during structure fire in Frog Lake

Police have released more information in an arson case that resulted in a death.

Back on November 26, 2021, Elk Point RCMP responded to a structure fire on Frog Lake First Nation. Police said on Thursday that the fire was deemed an arson and the residence was deemed unsafe to enter during the initial portion of the investigation.

RCMP Major Crimes attended Frog Lake First Nation on December 21, 2021.

With the help of St. Paul and Elk Point RCMP, Edmonton General Investigation Section and Firestorm Consulting, investigators located human remains inside the residence.

After DNA tests, the remains were positively identified April 6, 2022 as those of 44-year-old Phillip Wade Favel. Favel was reported missing to St. Paul RCMP on November 30, 2021 and was last seen on Saddle Lake First Nation on November 21, 2021.

RCMP said that Major Crimes have taken carriage of the investigation, which is ongoing.