Driver charged with murder in connection to fatal Shuswap crash last year

KAMLOOPS – A man accused of fleeing the scene of a fatal crash near Magna Bay last year has been charged with second-degree murder.

According to court documents, Raymond Edward Swann was charged with the offence yesterday, Feb. 15.

Swann is still facing two other charges in connection to the crash that killed Brian Watson in April 2016, including criminal negligence causing death and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

Watson's motorcycle was struck by a pickup truck travelling in the same direction toward Chase on April 3, 2016. RCMP allege Swann fled the scene after the collision and called police from his home in Sorrento.

Swann was arrested and released on bail on April 4, 2016. An arraignment hearing on the original two charges was adjourned in Kamloops Provincial Court today, Feb. 16 until next month.

An application on the murder charges is expected to be heard in Kamloops Supreme Court tomorrow.

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