Watchdog investigates circumstances surrounding Kamloops killing

B.C.'s RCMP watchdog is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Kamloops police’s lack of success locating a man reported to be suffering from mental health issues, and allegedly went on to kill someone.

On July 31, Kamloops RCMP received a call from a woman who was concerned about the mental health of a male relative, the Independent Investigations Office said in a statement.

"Officers visited the man’s home, but reported being unable to locate him," reads the statement.

On Aug. 1 at 10:34 am, officers were called to a neighbouring home, where they found a different man with multiple stab wounds.

"He was taken to hospital, where he died. At 2 p.m., the man whose relative had called police the day prior was arrested in connection with the stabbing," reads the statement.

"He has since been charged as the RCMP continue to investigate this incident."

The IIO is investigating the circumstances surrounding the police’s lack of success on July 31 in locating the man charged in the Aug. 1 stabbing.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477.

The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.


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Kathy Michaels

Kathy Michaels has been an Okanagan-based journalist for more than a decade, working for community papers along the valley and beyond.
She’s won provincial and national awards in business, news and feature writing and says that her love for telling a good story rivals only her fondness for turning a good phrase.
If you have a story that deserves to be told in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To reach Kathy call 250-718-0428 or email kmichaels@infonews.ca.