A man accused in a fatal attack in front of the Yellowknife Sobering Centre Tuesday is now charged with second-degree murder.
Victor Ugyuk, 32, made a very brief appearance in Justice of the Peace bail court on Friday afternoon.
He is charged in the beating death of Mark Poodlat, 36, who succumbed to his injuries in an Edmonton hospital Thursday morning, according to RCMP.
Second-degree murder essentially means the crime had less pre-mediation or planning than first degree murder, if any at all.
Poodlat was seriously hurt when a man punched him several times in the head sending him to the pavement.
The attack was captured by security video camera positioned across the street.
Poodlat was medevaced to Edmonton in critical condition but has since passed away.
Ugluk, who is being held at the North Slave Correctional Complex (NSCC), appeared in a jail-issued t-shirt and sweat pants.
He only spoke once to say that he understood the charges against him, which include two counts of breaching his probation.
Ugyuk has a lengthy criminal record including convictions for assault with a weapon, resisting arrest and aggravated assault, the charge he faced before Poodlat died.
He is to remain in custody until his next court appearance on Oct. 15.
CKLB extends condolences to Poodlat’s family and friends.