RCMP says it did follow up on lead in Billy Cholo case

The RCMP is denying it failed to follow up on a lead in the Billy Cholo murder case.

Last month, Senator Nick Sibbeston publicly alleged that just before Cholo was killed, he told a friend repeatedly that someone was threatening his life. Sibbeston said that friend was never interviewed by police.

• N.W.T. senator says RCMP failed to follow up lead in Billy Cholo homicide

Police declined to comment further at the time.

On Wednesday, RCMP Inspector Peter Pilgrim said police had already investigated that lead before the accusation was made.

"This information that he has provided was followed up well in advance of Senator Sibbeston raising these concerns at the Dene Assembly in Fort Simpson," Pilgrim said.

Cholo, 45,went missing in December of2013. Hisbodywas found in a gazeboin Fort Simpson, N.W.T., in January of 2014. The death was later ruled a homicide, though no charges have been laid.

This past Tuesday, Liidlii Kue First Nation Chief Gerald Antoine called for a public meeting in Fort Simpson to update residents on the status of the investigation.

• Fort Simpson chief calls for public meeting on Billy Cholo case

Asked about that request, Pilgrim said he hadn't heard of it.

Senator Sibbeston declined to comment further.