Watson Lake murder victim identified as 36-year-old Andy Giraudel - Action News
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Watson Lake murder victim identified as 36-year-old Andy Giraudel

The victim of a murder and dismemberment in Watson Lake, Yukon, has been identified as Andy Giraudel. Travis Dennis has been charged with second-degree murder in Giraudel's death. RCMP say the two were known to each other.

'He was a great person. I have no idea how someone could do this to him'

People in Watson Lake, Yukon, are describing the victim of a murder and dismembermentas a well-liked man whose death has shaken the community.

Thirty-six-year-old Andy Giraudel's remains were found in Watson Lake on July 16. (Facebook)

YukonRCMPand the territory's coroner's service positively identified 36-year-old Andy Giraudelthrough fingerprint and dental comparison, according to a police news release Tuesday.

Partial human remains were found at an industrial property outside Watson Lake on July 16.Travis Dennis, 22, is charged with second-degree murder and offering anindignity to human remains.RCMPsay Dennis was known to the victim.

A court ban on publishingGiraudel'sname was lifted on Tuesday morning.

Giraudelhad lived in Watson Lake since early childhood. Heworked as a cook and did other odd jobs.

"He was a great person," said friendArielle Courtney Lee Deville. "I have no idea how someone could do this to him. I am very saddened right now. It's still so surreal."

Sherry Botterill, another Watson Lake resident, said last week thatGiraudel's murder has shaken the community.

The community of Watson Lake held a vigil for Andy Giraudel last week. His name was under a court ordered publication ban until Tuesday morning. (Philippe Morin/CBC)

"He was a good friend of the First Nations community," Botterill said. "People are having nightmares."

"It has been a very trying week for the residents of Watson Lake," said Sgt. Cam Lockwood, with the Watson Lake RCMP in the news release.

Counsellors were in the community last weekholding sessions for people who wanted to talk. Watson Lake RCMP have assured residents that they believe Dennis acted alone and said there is no further risk to the community.

Dennis is in custody and scheduled to appear in court Aug. 12.

With files from Philippe Morin