UPDATE: Charges laid in Ashcroft murder

NEPHEW SEEN DIGGING HOLE IN THE YARD

ASHCROFT – A 27-year-old Ashcroft man will face murder charges following the discovery of a body at a residence this morning.

Mounties were called to 602 Cedar Street just after 9:30 a.m. to investigate a disturbance. When they arrived, they found a person dead and took Shane Takeshi Gyoba into custody.

Gyoba is now charged with murder, according to an RCMP press release. He's scheduled to appear in court later today.

Police tape surrounds the corner lot on an otherwise quiet residential street in Ashcroft. The home's address is listed to Ed Gyoba, who used to run a plumbing and heating company in the community, according to a family friend. A neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said he was living with Shane, who is his nephew. 

"Everyone loved (Ed Gyoba)," a nearby neighbour said. "He was always joking and laughing."

She said she was with Ed Gyoba’s ex-wife when police confirmed the death. She and another neighbour in the area saw the nephew digging a hole in the side yard of the home where police are working but she did not witness that. Yet another neighbour said she heard them fighting early in the morning.

Shane Gyoba has convictions for assault in Kamloops, possession of an illegal firearm in North Vancouver, resisting arrest and poaching.

He’s currently before the courts for probation violations.

The name of the deceased has not been released by RCMP or the B.C. Coroners Service.

Anyone with any information contact the Ashcroft RCMP at 250-453-2216 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

— With files from Glynn Brothen

— Story updated at 1:09 p.m. June 3, 2014 to include new details from an RCMP press release.

— Story corrected at 10:32 a.m. June 3, 2014 to include Ed Gyoba's correct occupation. A family friend said he was not, in fact, a teacher as neighbours said. 

— Story updated at 5:17 p.m. June 2, 2014 to include information from police. Updated again at 7:29 p.m. to include additional reporting from neighbours and records checks.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infotelnews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.