Drugs and alcohol played a role in the death of a 38-year-man at the hands of a group of young Natives, including two 12-year olds, people on the Frog Lake First Nation in Alberta say.

Two 12-year-old boys, a 15-year-old boy, two 16-year-old boys and two 18-year-old males are charged with murdering Rocky Moyah, a father of four. Chief Roland Quinney and others said substance abuse is a factor in the shocking crime.

"Drugs and alcohol are definitely a problem on the reserve," Melantha Abraham, 18, told The Edmonton Journal.

Quinney said he will work to establish more youth programs. He denied that gangs are an issue on the reserve.

Get the Story:
Frog Lake tragedy linked to drugs and alcohol: band member (CBC 5/10)
Murder charges shock community (The Edmonton Journal 5/10)
Beating death prompts change (CP 5/11)

Related Stories:
Two 12-year-olds among seven charged for murder (5/10)