British Columbia RCMP are now treating the drowning death of a Westlock-area teacher last August as a homicide.
"No arrests have been made nor have any charges been laid at this time, June 15,” said RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk in a comment left on the Westlock News website in regards to the drowning death of 50-year-old Laura Letts Beckett last summer. "Our MCU investigators are currently in Westlock and again we urge that should anyone have any information regarding this matter that will advance the investigation, please contact your local police services, the RCMP SED MCU at the noted number or Crimestoppers."
Letts Beckett's death occurred on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, on Arrow Lake near Shelter Bay Provincial Park south of Revelstoke, B.C. At the time, police stated she had fallen off the boat she and her husband were fishing in; although she was brought to shore, subsequent CPR attempts to resuscitate her failed. Investigators with the RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit, based in Kelowna, B.C., issued a press release late Saturday, June 11, stating the case remained under investigation.
Letts Beckett taught at Dapp School for 27 years, spending her entire teaching career there. A media statement issued by school administration last August described her as a "team player and a life-long learner” who was respected and loved by all.
B.C. RCMP state the investigation is active and ongoing and they are asking anyone who may have information regarding the case to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit at their office in Kelowna at 250-469-7800. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) with their info, or go online at bccrimestoppers.com.
