Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Victor Kaisar

Violent Assault Update

Notre Dame Drive assault victim succumbs to injuries; murder charge laid

Oct 10, 2025 | 9:59 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP say a second-degree murder charge has been laid as the person who was the victim of a violent assault in the 700-block of Notre Dame Drive last month has succumbed to his injuries.

In an update Friday (Oct. 10), police identified the victim as 39-year-old Jason Pinette. They had previously said that the victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition after the incident, which happened around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday (Sept. 27).

On Thursday (Oct. 2) last week, RCMP said they had a person in custody, and on Friday they announced that Justin Hopkin-Jones, who is still in custody, is facing a second-degree murder charge.

“This investigation was well supported from the initial call, which started with our frontline officers, Forensic Identification Services, General Investigation Services Team and the Serious Crime Unit,” Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said in a statement.

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“Our team has worked diligently over the course of this investigation to gather evidence and follow-up on investigative material.”

While police have not said what exactly transpired, they did say that the Serious Crime Unit is leading the investigation owing to the “severity of the incident.”

“As this matter is now before the courts, we can not speak to the details, however, I want to acknowledge the swift and coordinated team effort to advance this investigation, securing charge approval,” Pelley added Friday.

“The Kamloops RCMP Detachment offers our condolences to the family and friends of Jason.”

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds