A Fort St. James man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 shooting death of 36-year-old John Lazarre. The case began on February 25, 2022, when Fort St. James RCMP responded to reports of shots fired on Spruce Road. Officers arrived to find Lazarre deceased, prompting an extensive investigation.
Thomas Duncan, now 33, was later identified as the suspect and arrested. He was charged with second-degree murder and ultimately entered a guilty plea. Second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence under Canadian law, with parole eligibility determined by the courts.
On December 3, 2025, Duncan was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 10 years. The decision marks a significant step toward closure for the community and for those closely affected by Lazarre’s death.
RCMP noted that the case underscores the serious impact of violent crime in smaller communities and thanked the public for its cooperation throughout the investigation. Police say they remain committed to supporting victims’ families and maintaining community safety as the case formally concludes.
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