Yukon RCMP are renewing their plea for public help in the investigation into an unsolved 2023 double homicide near Mayo.

Benjamin Symington and Michael Bennett were found shot to death in the C-6 subdivision on the early morning of March 11, 2023.

Police have made no arrests in connection with the killings.

Cst. Josh Reid with the Yukon RCMP’s Major Crime Unit declined to provide any new information in the case. But he said information from the public about what happened that morning would help with the investigation.

“We’re seeking to get closure and information for the families involved of Benjamin Symington and Michael Bennett,” Reid said. “We believe there are individuals that do have information that would help get that closure and we’re just asking them to come forward.”

Reid said the RCMP are still looking for more information about a “vehicle of interest,” describing a large truck with a lightbar believed to have been in the area at the time.

Reid said anyone with any information or leads should contact the Yukon Major Crime Unit at 867‑667‑5555.

‘The citizens are scared’

Mayo Mayor Trevor Ellis is also joining the RCMP’s public call for assistance.

He said whoever committed this crime needs to be held accountable. He said as long as the perpetrators are unknown, people won’t feel safe.

“For the community’s sake, and for the families’ sake it’d be definitely nice to get some closure with this awful event for our community,” Ellis said.

Ellis said he understands people are scared to come forward but he said police need more information from witnesses.

“Without that my feeling was from them [RCMP] that it may be very hard to press charges with the evidence that they have,” Ellis said.” It’s one thing to say ‘OK let’s charge somebody,’ but you also want to make sure that when you do charge somebody that you have the right person and that a conviction can be secured.”

“I would just urge them to find the courage… to put somebody behind bars that killed two people in cold blood.”

Dan Pictin has lived in Mayo for the past three years. Originally from Alberta, he said he heard about the incident before moving to the community.

He said he also understands why people might not want to come forward and offered to help.

“The citizens are scared,” Pictin said. “They have to live here. They don’t want any ramifications from being considered a snitch. You can’t blame them.”

“Tell me. I’m not scared. Let me be their anchor because I don’t want them having this fear. They’ve had enough fear.”

Pictin said as long as the killings remain unsolved, the community won’t be able fully heal.