Investigation continues into the March murder of Demetrios Karahalios
The investigation into the murder of Demetrios “Jimmy” Karahalios has reached a new level of concern for homicide detectives in Canada. Detectives have said that they’re concerned that the man accused of the murder may have changed his identity and could be living with people who don’t know that he is wanted for murder.
The man accused, Richard Joseph Lacarte, 47, has been accused of second-degree murder for the March 8th killing of Karahalios, who is also know by his drag name, Coco. A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Lacarte’s arrest.
A statement released by police on Tuesday said Lacrte, who knew Karahalios, led a “drifter lifestyle” and sometimes works as a roofer. He was also known to frequent LGBTQ bars and nightclubs to play pool and sing karaoke.
“Our concern is that Mr. Lacarte has assumed a new identity and might have been taken in by someone who is unaware that he is wanted for murder,” said Detective John Tedeschini. “For this reason, we are appealing to the public, Canada-wide, to take a hard look at whom they may be letting stay or “couch surf” at their residence. We are also requesting homeless shelters, and social agencies that may have come across Mr. Lacarte to provide information on his whereabouts.”
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Lacarte (pictured above) is described as being 5’9” tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He has blue eyes, grey hair and is missing a few teeth. He also has several tattoos, which include Harley Davidson wings on his left bicep, a skull and crossbones and a tiger.
Karahalios, 48, who worked as a cook at Buddy’s Nite Club and Woody’s Video Bar, was found dead in his Edmonton home after he didn’t show up for his shift. Lacarte has been wanted for the murder since early July but has not yet been located, which is what has led police to believe that he may have assumed a new identity.
Closure for the Family
Tonia Karahalios, the victims sister, says finding Lacarte will bring them some degree of closure:
“This will never be over for our family. A deep hole has been left in our hearts forever, but we need to find this individual and bring closure to our brother’s death. Our brother Demetrios was a caring, thoughtful and generous human being, who was taken from us far too soon. This will never be over for us. He was an important and much loved member of our family and we miss him terribly.”
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