A man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a killing on Vancouver Island, according to police.
The incident occurred on December 27, 2020, in the small community of Port Hardy, located on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. The victim, 35-year-old John Smith, was found deceased in his home by a family member.
After an extensive investigation, the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) arrested 42-year-old Mark Johnson on January 5, 2021. Johnson has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently in custody.
VIIMCU has not released any information about the motive for the killing or the relationship between the victim and the accused. However, they have stated that the two men were known to each other.
The community of Port Hardy has been left in shock and mourning following the tragic incident. Many residents have expressed their condolences to the victim’s family and are hoping for justice to be served.
This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact VIIMCU at 250-380-6211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The accused is scheduled to appear in court on January 11, 2021. The Crown has indicated that they will be seeking a no-contact order between Johnson and the victim’s family.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is a specialized team of investigators from the RCMP and municipal police departments. They are responsible for investigating homicides and other serious crimes on Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the need for swift and thorough investigations in cases of violence. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
