Two men have been charged in connection with a murder at Manny’s Hotel in Wetaskiwin, where police say a fire was deliberately set in January.
Emergency crews responded to the fire just before midnight on Jan. 14. After the fire was put out, extreme cold weather hindered efforts to examine the scene and conduct an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Crews managed to thaw enough ice to begin an examination of the scene on Jan. 20. Human remains were discovered in the burned-out building on Jan. 23.
The deceased was identified as Joseph Jack Desjarlais, 21.
Levi William Favel, 32, was charged with first-degree murder, and arson with a disregard for human life.
Shane Desmine Potts, 30, was charged with arson with disregard for human life, and accessory after the fact to murder.
Both the accused remain in custody. Favel was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, and Potts is scheduled to appear on Thursday, both in Wetaskiwin.