Weekend of violence has the RCMP seeking assistance

A particularly violent few days over the last weekend, have RCMP detachments across Northern BC looking for help as they try to solve some serious crimes.

The Daily News provided a recap of the weekend's violent behaviour, which stretched from Prince Rupert to Vanderhoof.

Police seek witnesses following a bloody weekend
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Pages one and three

Prince Rupert RCMP are seeking witnesses to a downtown stabbing that happened at around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Police were called to the area of Fifth Street and Second Avenue to respond to a fight in progress. A large crowd had gathered at the location and, upon police attendance, it was determined that a 22-year-old male had been stabbed with a knife. The victim was transported to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital where he was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

As the investigation into this assault with a weapon continues, police are asking anyone who may have been present during this incident to come forward with any information they may have regarding the event and the person responsible for the crime. This offence took place during the bar crowd gathering and the RCMP is confident that people who witnessed the incident have the information that officers need to solve the crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-627-0700, or call anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Terrace RCMP are also appealing for public assistance in locating a witness to a homicide on Saturday night.

On Sept. 27, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Terrace RCMP responded to an incident on Hougland Street in Terrace, where they located a female who was bleeding heavily due to multiple stab wounds. An ambulance transported the 46-year-old female to Mills Memorial Hospital where efforts to revive her were unsuccessful. The name of the deceased is being withheld in order to properly inform the next of kin. Police have arrested a youth who cannot be named. Police have said the male suspect and the victim were known to each other.

Investigators are requesting the public's help in locating a First Nations female in her 20s who was at the scene prior to the arrival of police. This female is not a suspect, but may help investigators ascertain the events leading up to the death of the 46-year-old Terrace resident. The name of the deceased or her relationship with the accused will not be released. A charge recommendation of second-degree murder has been forwarded to Crown counsel for approval.
The accused was scheduled to appear in Terrace Provincial Court yesterday for an initial appearance.

Vanderhoof RCMP are treating the discovery of two bodies at a Vanderhoof residence as homicides, although they are not currently looking for any suspects.

On Mon., Sept. 29 Vanderhoof RCMP responded to a sudden death report at a residence on Speedway Road. Forensic autopsies on the two bodies discovered will be conducted this week. The identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Members of the North District Major Crime Unit and the B.C. Coroner Service are leading the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Vanderhoof RCMP at 250-567-2222.