Demetrios Karahalios' accused killer wanted on Canada-wide warrant

The family of a murdered Edmonton man is asking for the public’s help to find the man accused of killing 48-year-old Demetrios Karahalios.

Karahalios was found dead in his Oliver-area home on Mar. 8, 2014. 

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A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Richard Joseph Lacarte, 47, for second-degree murder in the case.

Police say Lacarte, who led a “drifter lifestyle,” knew Karahalios. He has been known to work as a roofer occasionally. Lacarte is also known to visit LGBTQ community bars and nightclubs where he typically plays pool and sings karaoke.

“Our concern is that Mr. Lacarte has assumed a new identity and might have been taken in by someone who is unaware that he is wanted for murder,” said Det. John Tedeschini with homicide.

“For this reason, we are appealing to the public, Canada-wide, to take a hard look at whom they may be letting stay or “couch surf” at their residence. We are also requesting homeless shelters, and social agencies that may have come across Mr. Lacarte to provide information on his whereabouts."

Lacarte is described as 5’9” tall and weighing 150 pounds. He has blue eyes, grey hair and is missing some teeth. He has several tattoos, including Harley Davidson wings on his left bicep, as well as a skull, crossbones and a tiger.

Family seeks closure

The family says finding Lacarte will bring them some degree of closure.

“This will never be over for our family. A deep hole has been left in our hearts forever, but we need to find this individual and bring closure to our brother’s death,” said Tonia Karahalios.

“Our brother Demetrios was a caring, thoughtful and generous human being, who was taken from us far too soon. This will never be over for us. He was an important and much loved member of our family and we miss him terribly.”