New police chief in Estevan, Sask., knows father of murder victim

ESTEVAN, Sask. – The new police chief in Estevan, Sask., says he used to work alongside the father of a young woman whose slaying his department is now investigating.

Paul Ladouceur has been on the job in Saskatchewan just a few weeks after moving from Brockville, Ont., where he was a detective.

In that capacity, he would sometimes work with Brockville’s fire chief, who happens to be the father of Estevan’s latest murder victim, Leslie Erin Dwyre.

Dwyre’s body was found earlier this week inside a home in Estevan.

Nathan Russel Mullen, 30, of Estevan, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Ladouceur calls the young woman’s death “a tragic event, without a doubt.”

“I think it is a comfort to the family having somebody so far away that they know that is indirectly involved in the investigation,” Ladouceur said Thursday.

He said he has spoken to Dwyre’s father, adding he is leaving the investigation in the hands of his officers, remaining at arm’s length.

Dwyre herself had only been living in Estevan for the past several months.

There has been no information provided on how the 27-year-old teacher died, although Ladouceur has described her relationship with Mullen as “domestic.”

Mullen made his first court appearance in Estevan Thursday morning. He was remanded in custody until May 8.

Meanwhile, Dwyre’s death has devastated staff and students at Hillcrest School.

“She was very positive (with) a very bubbly personality,” said principal David Gillingham. “(She had a) great smile, great sense of humour. A very dedicated, professional person.”

The principal said additional counsellors and victim’s services have been on hand to help students cope with the news.

(CJME)