Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

ONGOING INVESTIGATION

Kamloops man facing second-degree murder charge after downtown stabbing

Sep 13, 2020 | 2:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP say a 32-year-old man who was arrested yesterday (Sept. 12) in relation to a homicide investigation has now been charged with second degree murder.

Around 6:30 a.m Saturday morning police were called to the 1300 block of Columbia Street for a reported stabbing. The 33-year-old victim later died of his injuries.

Two hours later at 8:30 a.m, officers arrested a 32-year-old suspect, who has now been identified as James Dylan Sanford.

James Dylan Sanford (Image provided by Kamloops RCMP)

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 12, 2024

13h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: North Shore BIA working hard to develop a 'happening place'

19h ago

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Moons

Dec 10, 2024

In a release today (Sept. 13), RCMP Plain Clothes Commander Staff Sgt. Simon Pillay says Sanford has been charged with second degree murder contrary to Section 235 of the Criminal Code. He remains in custody and has a court appearance scheduled for Monday (Sept. 14).

Sanford is also currently charged with two counts of trafficking a controlled substance in an unrelated investigation. Those charges are proceeding to Preliminary Inquiry next month on October 6.

The victim has not yet been identified as police are still notifying next of kin. Pillay notes the victim also had criminal charges before the court.

“This event can best be described as an ongoing conflict between associates which unfortunately culminated with a murder. Although Mr. Sanford is currently under charge for drug trafficking from an unrelated investigation, we do not believe this incident is related to drug trafficking or organized crime,” states Pillay, “The victim in this case also has criminal charges before the courts and was also on pre-trial release. One of his conditions was not to attend the Acadian Motor Inn, which is the scene of this crime. Both the victim and the accused are known to police.”

Investigators are still gathering evidence from the scene and following up on tips and witness information. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to come forward.

“We believe the chain of events that led up to this murder began in the early morning hours, around 3:00 am,” explains Pillay, “We request anyone who observed suspicious activity of any kind at the Acadian Motor Inn early Saturday morning to please contact the RCMP. Every detail helps us advance the understanding of this incident.”

Kamloops RCMP can be reached through the non-emergency line at 250-828-3000.