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Murder charge laid in deadly downtown assault

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The proposed new location of a sobering centre and day shelter at 5111 50th Ave. in downtown Yellowknife. The city sent out notices Monday to property owners in the immediate vicinity of the address asking for comments by Sept. 22. The proposal will then go to city council for approval. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo

Victor Ugyuk, 32, has now been charged with murder in the death of Mark Poodlat.

Poodlat, 36, died in an Edmonton hospital on Thursday following a brazen daylight assault just before 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday. The attack occurred near the front steps of the Sobering Centre/Day Shelter, located on 50 Street.

Ugyuk was originally charged with aggravated assault, but police announced Friday the charges had been upgraded to murder. He also faces charges related to breaching court-ordered conditions.

Yellowknife RCMP, along with its major crimes unit and the NWT Coroner Services, continues to investigate the homicide.

Police are still actively seeking witnesses to the assault.

Update to follow.