23391 replies to this topic

[pontcanna]

Editorial: Parole board must be accountable to the public

So if public safety is the “paramount consideration,” why was this man released?

In January, Kenneth MacKay was granted early parole. In July, the Parole Board of Canada extended his day parole for another six months. 

A convicted murderer out on parole, Kenneth MacKay, was arrested this month in Victoria after a report that he was stalking a young woman.

In December 2000, MacKay killed 21-year-old Crystal Paskemin in Saskatoon. The details of the murder are grim.

MacKay offered the young aboriginal woman a ride home, sexually assaulted her in his truck, broke her jaw with his fist, then drove his truck over her head, crushing it.

After setting her naked body on fire, MacKay dragged it behind his truck, then buried the remains in a shallow grave.

In 2002, MacKay was found guilty of first-degree murder, and given the required minimum sentence of 25 years without parole.

How did it happen that a man sentenced to 25 years without parole was given parole?

A more troubling question is why MacKay was considered a suitable candidate, and why he was released with such unseemly haste. MacKay was paroled in January 2023, the first moment he became eligible.

When asked, Lisa Saether, regional manager for the Parole Board of Canada, said this, “When making its decision, the board conducts a thorough risk assessment to determine whether the offender’s risk remains manageable in the community. Public safety is the paramount consideration in all PBC decisions.”

But how can that be? A psychologist warned the board that MacKay was a high risk for violent re-offending. The Correctional Service of Canada advised against his release on the same grounds.

His institutional parole officer reported that MacKay was unable to take “no” for an answer, and that he harboured anger toward women when he killed Paskemin.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations spoke out against his parole.

So if public safety is the “paramount consideration,” why was this man released?

We cannot have parole officers acting as a law unto themselves. Specifically, when decisions are made that are inconsistent with the board’s own policy, as this decision was, some form of recourse is required.

And indeed the means exist to hold the board accountable.

Like any government agency, the board exists by leave of the public. With people increasingly worried about the growing tide of violence in our cities, this is the paramount fact that should guide decisions.

While there may, on rare occasions, be an exception, Kenneth MacKay was not one of them.

 

More: https://www.timescol...-public-7584030

 

[Nparker]

#nojusticesystem

[Victoria Watcher]

I’m not even sure he reoffended. At worst he just failed to mention a possible friendship. Seems no more than that.

[pontcanna]

[pontcanna]

Statement from Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald - Death of Cst. Frederick (Rick) O'Brien

Ridge Meadows, Coquitlam

2023-09-22 16:35 PDT

 

 

I am Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, the Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP.

It is with a deep and profound sadness that I must advise the public of the on-duty death of an RCMP Ridge Meadows member Cst. Rick (Fredrick) O’Brien early today.

This is an extremely difficult and tragic day for the members of the Ridge Meadows Detachment, Coquitlam RCMP where the incident occurred, and the greater BC RCMP and RCMP family.

With respect to what happened, there are a few details we can provide, mindful there are two active investigations underway.

I can confirm that at approximately 10:00 am Ridge Meadows RCMP were executing a search warrant on a residence near the intersection of Pine Tree Way and Glen Drive in Coquitlam, B.C. While there, the attending officers became engaged in an altercation with a man which resulted in multiple officers being injured - including our member and the suspect being shot. Emergency Health Services transported all injured to hospital, but our officer did succumb to his injuries at scene.

The injured male suspect is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO BC) is now investigating the incident as it relates to police actions.

A concurrent investigation into the homicide of Cst. O’Brien and the injuries to our two other members is also underway and will be conducted by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).

As for our two members. One has been treated for their minor injuries and is with family. The other is still in hospital with non-life threatening injuries and has family and friends with them.

We all join in expressing our heartfelt condolences to Cst. O’Brien’s family. Cst. O’Brien was 51 years old, with a wife and children. He was born in Ottawa, He joined the RCMP in 2016 and just celebrated his 7th year of service a few days ago. All of his service with the RCMP has with at Ridge Meadows Detachment as a frontline officer and in community policing. Within months of starting though he was involved in the rescue of a home invasion victims, which included a child and the arrest of armed suspects. He received a CO Commendation for Bravery and provincial award for those efforts. Cst. O’Brien led by example, and had a great sense of humour. He was well respected by his peers and the community.

I have spoken with RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme and he has kindly offered any and all support necessary.

To say that today has been struggle is an understatement. The RCMP family is gutted. We are just days away from the BC Law Enforcement Memorial in Victoria that honours our fallen and about to approach the one-year anniversary of our previous tragic loss in Burnaby – Cst. Yang.

We are still healing from that tragic loss. but will pull together do everything necessary.

While many who serve and protect will never have to pay the ultimate sacrifice as they do incredible and life changing things every day …. a day like today reminds us how dangerous the job can be and the ultimate price that is paid in service to our community.

Dwayne

Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald
Commanding Officer, "E" Division

[pontcanna]

Driver arrested after woman seriously injured in Port Alberni hit-and-run crash

 

Mounties have arrested a man in his 80s after a pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash in Port Alberni.

The woman was walking near the intersection of Johnston Road and Adelaide Street just before 11 a.m. Thursday when she was hit by a white pickup truck, which fled the scene.

Police, paramedics and firefighters tended to the woman, who police say is in her 60s.

The Port Alberni RCMP said the driver sped away from the crash site and did not make any effort to check on the victim.

Police say the collision was caught on a surveillance camera and investigators released an image of the suspect vehicle Thursday in an effort to track down the driver.
 

 

By Friday morning, investigators had located the vehicle after receiving multiple tips from the public.

"The registered owner, a man in his 80s, spoke with police and was subsequently arrested for failing to remain at the scene of an accident, and dangerous operation causing bodily harm," the detachment said.

The driver has been released from custody pending a court appearance in early 2024.

 

More: https://vancouverisl...crash-1.6573411

[pontcanna]

Alleged cop killer is 25 year old Nicholas Bellemare of Coquitlam. No previous entries in BC Court Services. Likely from out of province, guess we'll see.

[Victoria Watcher]

Alleged cop killer is 25 year old Nicholas Bellemare of Coquitlam. No previous entries in BC Court Services. Likely from out of province, guess we'll see.

 

Is it upgraded to 1st degree because the victim is police, or do they really think is was premediated?

 

Do we know what the search warrant was about?

[pontcanna]

Global says it was a drug investigation. Guy from the same condo block says he rode up on the elevator with the responders...6 or so cops with long guns, but no special tactical gear according to him. Cops asked him if he could let them in the 22nd floor. He couldn't, but a building manager was along and he let them up.

[pontcanna]

Is it upgraded to 1st degree because the victim is police, or do they really think is was premediated?

 

 

Murder of peace officer, etc.

 

(4) Irrespective of whether a murder is planned and deliberate on the part of any person, murder is first degree murder when the victim is

• (a) a police officer, police constable, constable, sheriff, deputy sheriff, sheriff’s officer or other person employed for the preservation and maintenance of the public peace, acting in the course of his duties

[Victoria Watcher]

 

Murder of peace officer, etc.

 

(4) Irrespective of whether a murder is planned and deliberate on the part of any person, murder is first degree murder when the victim is

• (a) a police officer, police constable, constable, sheriff, deputy sheriff, sheriff’s officer or other person employed for the preservation and maintenance of the public peace, acting in the course of his duties

 

 

I see, somehow I thought I had read the charge was "upgraded" to 1st degree.  I must have been mistaken.

[Victoria Watcher]

West Shore RCMP says a man wanted on 10 warrants is believed to be evading police and are asking the public to keep an eye out for him.

Nicholas Banks has 10 outstanding warrants, eight unendorsed and two endorsed. Endorsed warrants are warrants that have been signed by a Justice of the Peace, while an unendorsed warrant has not which indicates an arrested person must be held for court.

https://www.cheknews...e-rcmp-1170489/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 25 September 2023 - 09:28 AM.

[pontcanna]

INDECENT ACT ON TRANSIT BUS

September 25, 2023

 

File: #2023-17391

Saanich Police are searching for a suspect who exposed himself on a BC Transit bus two weeks ago.

On September 11, 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m. a woman was travelling on BC Transit bus Route 31 on Douglas Street when a man approached her and exposed himself. She immediately notified the driver of the bus, however, the man quickly used the rear doors to exit at the next stop.

The man was described to be approximately 40 years old, 5’7″, with a thin build and brown hair.

 

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321. You can also report what you know anonymously through the Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information & Communications Officer

[pontcanna]

West Shore RCMP says a man wanted on 10 warrants is believed to be evading police and are asking the public to keep an eye out for him.

Nicholas Banks has 10 outstanding warrants, eight unendorsed and two endorsed. Endorsed warrants are warrants that have been signed by a Justice of the Peace, while an unendorsed warrant has not which indicates an arrested person must be held for court.

Wanted man arrested

 

West Shore

 

2023-09-25 14:48 PDT

 

File # 2023-14360

 

On September 25, at approximately 9:30 a.m. the West Shore RCMP published a media release for a 41-year-old-man who was wanted for 10 outstanding warrants. The wanted man turned himself into the Western Communities Court House in Colwood and was arrested by BC Sheriffs. 

 

Thanks to everyone who shared the original post it has now been taken down.

 

Released by

Cpl. Nancy Saggar

Media Relations Officer
West Shore RCMP

[pontcanna]

[pontcanna]

Have You Seen Wanted Person Milad Herbert? 

 

Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 

 

File: #23-35838 

 

Victoria, BC – Officers are asking for your help as we work to locate wanted person Milad Herbert. 

 

Milad is currently wanted Canada-wide for suspension of his statutory release after walking away from a Community Residential Facility (CRF) in Victoria. 

 

Milad is 32 years old and is described as six feet one inch tall with a medium build, black hair, facial stubble, and a tattoo on the left side of his neck as pictured below. Milad was last seen wearing white cargo-style pants, a dark grey shirt, a black puffy jacket, black and white shoes, and a black baseball cap. 

 

Photos of Milad are below.

 

 

 

Milad was last seen yesterday evening in the downtown core. If you see Milad do not approach and call 911. If you have information about his whereabouts, please call the E-Comm Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1. To report what you know anonymously call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or submit a tip online at Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers. 

 

 

[pontcanna]

viccrimestop

 

File: #23-17032

 

Hey Greater Victoria

Saanich Police need your help in identifying this suspect who on September 7th walked onto private property and stole a MEC bike trailer.

The three wheeled trailer is orange/black in colour.

If you recognize this suspect and want to tell us their name anonymously, please contact us by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visit www.victoriacrimestoppers.ca to submit an online tip

 

 

 

 

 

[pontcanna]

Maybe he caught a ferry...now on Vancouver Crimestoppers

 

[pontcanna]

'I can't look. I can't look': Jury hears Port Alberni mother calling 911

When a B.C. Ambulance dispatcher asks Samantha Dittmer if her son’s attacker is still nearby, she says: “No, no. He was attacking me. My baby”

A Port Alberni woman accused of murdering her son two years ago told a 911 dispatcher that her son had attacked her.

That emergency call, made by a distraught Samantha Dittmer at 6:13 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2021, was played for the jury Monday in B.C. Supreme Court.

Dittmer is charged with the second-degree murder of her son Jesse McPhee. The Crown alleges she shot the 37-year-old at point-blank range with a hunting rifle. Dittmer has pleaded not guilty to the crime, describing the shooting as “accidental.”

“OK so just tell me exactly what happened,” says the dispatcher.

“I can’t. I can’t tell you. I can’t tell you,” Dittmer replies, sobbing. “This is horrible. This is horrible.”

“I don’t think I can look,” she cries. “My baby. My baby.”

“No, no. He was attacking me. My baby,” says Dittmer.

The dispatcher continues to urge Dittmer to help the patient. He asks her four times to go down to the patient to try and help him. “Are you with him now? We need to try and help him.”

“No he’s in a puddle of blood. I think he’s dead. I think he’s dead,” Dittmer replies.

The dispatcher asked Dittmer several times who shot him. She doesn’t say.

Also on Tuesday, Dr. Alexander Fong, who said he was the family doctor for both Dittmer and McPhee, testified by video that on Aug. 12, 2021, he had a telephone consultation with ­Dittmer, who told him she felt very stressed due to her son’s health and legal issues.

In his referral letter, Fong noted that Dittmer had experienced several months of worsening anxiety, with current triggers including her house burning down, financial ruin and a son who suffered from mental illness, he wrote.

Dittmer constantly expressed concern about McPhee’s physical and mental conditions, agreed Fong.

The trial continues Thursday.

 

More: https://www.timescol...ing-911-7604658

[pontcanna]

Man killed downtown had hard life on the street

 

• Times Colonist
• 28 Sep 2023

DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONISTMikey Henning at his tent in Victoria West Park on Nov. 2, 2022.

 

Late one night, in a tent at a homeless encampment at Topaz Park, Mikey Henning asked Rev. Al Tysick to bury him if something ever happened to him.

 

“And I agreed to that,” Tysick, a retired United Church minister, said Wednesday. “He asked me to perform the service and make it truthful.”

 

Tysick is now honouring that promise, hosting a memorial service for Henning at Our Place today.

 

In the early hours of Sept. 14, Henning was found in medical distress on Pandora Avenue, a block from Our Place. He died from his injuries in hospital.

 

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is investigating his death as a homicide.

 

“He protected a lot of the weaker people in the tent cities.

 

He was always an advocate for them. He was really involved with the street population. That means a lot of things. It doesn’t always mean glory. It means struggle and you make enemies in those circles.”

 

Henning was the muscle downtown, said Tysick. He lived by the law of the street and it was a very hard life.

 

 

-The memorial for Henning is set for 1:30 p.m. today at Our Place, 919 Pandora Ave.

 

More: https://digitaltimes...281573770323221