Jail for Keremeos senior who slashed wife’s throat

Former Rotary Club president and South Okanagan resident Brian Reum has been sentenced to five years in jail for the attempted murder suicide of his wife.

Today, Oct. 20, BC Provincial Court Judge Monica McParland handed down the sentence saying it was “simply fortunate” that neither of them were killed.

The 69-year-old was living in Keremeos and hadn’t been married long when in March 2024, he texted his two adult daughters.

“Girls, I’m sorry for what I’ve done. Please think of me well. There is a will in my dresser side table, middle door. Love you so much, bye,” the message read.

His wife, Debra Vance was looking out of the window, when Reum approached her from behind and slit her throat. He then repeatedly stabbed himself.

After received the text message, one of Reum’s daughters contacted the RCMP asking for a wellness check.

When police arrived through the window they saw Reum on the floor in a pool of blood. Vance was on the bed slipping in and out of consciousness.

Amazingly, the knife missed major arteries and “somewhat miraculously” they both survived.

Following the attack Reum was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. He later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.

The court heard how the couple met in 2023 and hadn’t be married for long and their relationship had been tumultuous.

While on holidays in Seattle, the police had been called after Reum became violent.

However, at a previous court appearance a former decade long partner of Reum’s said he’d never been violent with her.

On the night in question, Vance had found something that belonged to Reum which she didn’t approve of. The court didn’t hear what it was.

The couple had agreed on a divorce, and he’d helped her move furniture in the spare bedroom.

Sometime afterwards, while watching a hockey game on TV, he’d got up and slashed her with the knife.

The court heard Reum’s first marriage lasted more than 20 years and he had two children. He’d retired after a lengthy career with CN Rail.

The senior submitted 20 character letters of support to the court, which described him as a good person who is active in the community and who has been involved in volunteer work. His social media shows he was heavily involved with the Rotary Club.

The judge accepted that he was truly remorseful.

At an earlier court appearance he said he had taken full responsibility.

“Debra wish you well in health… (and) I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me,” he said.

The judge said the lasting affects to Vance were very significant, and she’d be forced to give up a 22-year career as a civilian in the RCMP. 

The scar on her neck was a daily reminder of what had taken place.

Citing his lack of criminal record and the counselling and work Reum had done after the attack, his defence lawyer Jas Manget asked for a sentence of house arrest.

However, the judge wasn’t swayed.

“Although there was not a great deal of lengthy pre-planning, it is clear from the text message and the admission that it was an intentional and purposeful act,” the judge said. “Mr. Reum knew exactly what he was doing and knew he was risking her life when he committed this heinous assault.”

Ultimately, Reum was sentenced to five years in jail.