Joseph Simpson will face sentencing this fall for second-degree murder and interfering with a dead body in connection with the death of Carmelita Abraham, who was 33 at the time of her death.
Simpson pleaded guilty to the charge of interference with a dead body at the outset of the trial and was found guilty of murder in the decision following the trial. He will be sentenced on Oct. 1, 2024 at 10 a.m. in Quesnel.
Simpson was charged after the remains of Abraham were discovered at the Willow Inn in Quesnel on Jan. 14. Abraham left William's Lake in late December and was reported missing Jan. 4.
During the trial Abraham's loved ones held a vigil for her which included drumming, smudging and a banner with a message demanding justice for her murder.
Abraham was living at the Slumber Lodge in Williams Lake when she went missing, but was a member of the Takla First Nation, located 167 kilometres north of Fort St. James. As a young person Abraham performed at the Olympics with hundreds of other Indigenous dancers. She was also a rap artist and performed in front of former Governor General Michaëlle Jean.
Simpson has been in custody since her remains were located.
