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In a distressing turn of events, a man has been charged with second-degree murder after the remains of his common-law partner were uncovered in an apartment in St. Albert, Alberta. Authorities believe that the couple’s nine-month-old daughter is also deceased, prompting an urgent search for her body. This deeply unsettling case has raised questions about domestic violence and its harrowing implications for families.
Discovery of Remains
The unsettling incident came to light on a Friday when a building employee conducted an “eviction-type check” and stumbled upon a suspicious item in the apartment. Upon further investigation, officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) discovered the remains of 23-year-old Ayla Egotik-Learn, originally from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. The grim find was compounded by the revelation that her infant daughter, Braylee Beasley, was missing.
Insp. Wayne Stevenson, addressing the media, stated that this new information significantly heightened the urgency of the investigation. “A woman and her child should be planning for tomorrow, not being mourned today,” he lamented, reflecting the deep sorrow surrounding the case.
Arrest and Charges
On Tuesday, Christopher William Beasley, 33, Egotik-Learn’s partner and the father of the missing child, was apprehended at a hotel in St. Albert. He faces serious charges, including second-degree murder in connection with Egotik-Learn’s death and causing indignities to both her and the child’s remains.
According to Sgt. James McConnell, the couple had been in a common-law relationship, and court records indicate that Egotik-Learn was likely killed around December 5. Tragically, it appears that the remains of both mother and child were tampered with that same day. Beasley had a history of violence against Egotik-Learn; he had been on probation for a prior assault, having pleaded guilty just months earlier.
The court has scheduled Beasley’s next appearance for February 2 in St. Albert.
Community Reactions
The impact of this tragedy has reverberated throughout the St. Albert community. Mayor Scott Olivieri expressed profound shock and sorrow, acknowledging the devastating effects of the incident on the victim’s family and the broader community. “The deaths of these two people have devastated a family and challenged a community,” he stated, urging residents to come together in support of one another during this painful time.
The mayor called for collective efforts to address the underlying issues that lead to such tragedies, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention of domestic violence.
Why it Matters
The horrifying circumstances surrounding the deaths of Ayla Egotik-Learn and her daughter reflect a larger societal issue regarding domestic violence and its tragic consequences. This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for communities to engage in dialogue about prevention, support systems for victims, and the resources available to those in perilous situations. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial that we honour the memories of those lost by working tirelessly to ensure that such tragedies become a rarity rather than a reality.
