Hesquiaht First Nation and family call for justice in Island murder
October 17, 2024
Patrick Charleson IV, known as Heman, has been identified as the victim of a murder on Vancouver Island by family members.
The Hesquiaht First Nation and family of the man shot and killed on Dididaht First Nation territory last month has identified 24-year-old Patrick Charleson IV, known as Heman, as the victim and are calling for justice.
“He was fun, caring, like my boy said, protector. He was always protecting his siblings, every one of them,” said Patrick Charleson III, Heman’s father.
It was 7 a.m. on Sept. 28 when police were called to a home in the Nitinaht community of the Dididaht First Nation and found Heman’s body. He’d been shot. Later that day police arrested 24-year-old Derian Tate and he was charged with first-degree murder soon after.
Heman grew up and lived in Hot Springs Cove, an hour boat ride from Tofino, but he was in the Nitinaht community visiting friends and family when he was shot.
His Hesquiaht First Nation and family say their call for justice would see the accused prosecuted as he is currently charged, for first-degree murder.
“We know how the courts work in Canada,” said Mariah. “We know there are often plea deals. We know there are ways to shorten the sentences. The family is willing to sit through a trial if it means that the accused spends life behind bars.”
They also say they believe a second person was involved in Heman’s killing and they hope that that person will also face charges.
The family also wants the public to know Heman was special, a hunter and fisher, and the loss of his life is immense.
The accused remains in custody and has been ordered to consult a lawyer before his next court appearance on Nov. 12. None of the charges have been proven in court.
More: https://cheknews.ca/...murder-1219543/