On Dec. 28, 2022, police responded to the report of a drug overdose in the area of 79 Street and 118 Avenue. Upon arrival, Joseph Mercier, 60, was located and during the initial investigation, police did not deem his death as suspicious.
The Edmonton Medical Examiner completed a toxicology report in March 2023 and the cause of death was determined to be fentanyl toxicity. The manner of death was initially deemed to be accidental. A short time after the report was released, a witness came forward to police with information, the EPS’ Homicide Section reopened the investigation.
“When witnesses come forward, it can make all the difference for an investigation and can help provide a measure of resolve to the people who are trying to understand what happened to a loved one,” says Det. Sylvie Boy with the EPS’ Homicide Section. “It is incredibly important to speak to police if you see something that doesn’t look or feel right.”
On March 26, 2025, police arrested Morgan Churchill, 40, and charged her with second degree murder. The accused is known to the victim.