Image Credit: Daniel Myles / Facebook / Kamloops RCMP

By Dylana Kneeshaw

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

Victim in downtown Kamloops homicide identified

Sep 14, 2020 | 1:09 PM

KAMLOOPS — A family member of a man killed in an early morning stabbing over the weekend has now identified him. About two hours after RCMP responded to a stabbing in the 1300 block-of Columbia Street Saturday morning (Sept. 12), a suspect was found and taken into custody. 32-year-old James Dylan Sanford has now been charged with second degree murder.

Police have not released the name of the 33-year-old victim, but social media posts from his family have identified the man as Daniel Myles of Kamloops.

RCMP Plainclothes Commander Staff Sgt. Simon Pillay says the event occurred in the vicinity of the Acadian Motor Inn, and the area had to be cordoned off for several hours Saturday as police gathered evidence.

“This can best be characterized as an ongoing feud or social disagreement between a bunch of parties — not just these two, but a group. And unfortunately it did culminate with a murder.”

Pillay says Sanford is in custody and has a court appearance for Monday (Sept. 14). He is also facing criminal charges unrelated to this incident.

“Mr. Sanford is currently charged with two counts of drug trafficking — heroin and fentanyl — which is proceeding to preliminary inquiry in Kamloops on October 6,” explains Pillay, “Now even though that fact remains, this altercation and this violence is not directly connected to drug trafficking or organized crime.”

The victim also had criminal charges. The 33-year-old was bound by no-contact release conditions, including ‘not to attend the Acadian Motor Inn’ — the scene of the incident.

Daniel Thomas Myles (Image Credit: Facebook / Daniel Myles)

“This speaks to the preamble of events leading up to this particular incident,” notes Pillay. Police believe the chain of events began closer to 3:00 a.m Saturday, and are hopeful witnesses will come forward as they continue to investigate.

“There would have been some disturbances and suspicious activity in and around the Acadian Motor Inn,” says Pillay, “So we’re requesting anybody who was up at that time, who saw anything, or who has knowledge of what transpired leading up to that stabbing. That would be very useful for investigators, and kindly just call the local RCMP and we can get in touch.”

Kamloops RCMP can be reached at (250) 828-3000 and tips can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

Image Credit: Facebook / Daniel Myles