Slain Yellowknife taxi driver ID'd as RCMP lay murder charges

An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of Ahmed Mahamud Ali, a Yellowknife cab driver who died earlier this week.

Elias Schiller is in custody and faces a murder charge, RCMP said in a news release Tuesday.

• RCMP investigating 'suspicious death' of Yellowknife taxi driver found in SUV outside hospital

The taxi driver was found unconscious in the back seat of a City Cab vehicle just outside Yellowknife'sStanton Territorial Hospital early Monday morning.

The man was taken into the hospital after he was found,but was pronounced dead shortly afterward,RCMPhave said.

Ali'sidentity was confirmed by ShirleyMcGrath, the general manager of City Cab.

RCMPhave not released Ali's name, but a spokesperson confirmed toCBCNews that the victim's next of kin has been notified.

"While the investigation is still in early stages, we'd like to assure the citizens of Yellowknife and the community of taxi drivers that we have apprehended the suspect and there is no public safety risk at this time," RCMPspokesperson Marie York-Condonsaid in Tuesday's news release.

Schiller's first court appearance is set for Friday in Yellowknife.

With files from Sidney Cohen