VANCOUVER – The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says over the weekend five people were charged in connection to two separate Surrey homicides.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the 2009 death of James Erickson.
Four people have been charged in connection with the 2006 death of David Mitchell.
Mitchell, 25, died after he was seriously injured during a severe assault in a home in the 11000-block of Ravine Road on Oct. 25, 2006. He died of his injuries two days later.
Khalid Damien Arnaout, 35, has now been charged with second-degree murder in Mitchell’s death. Three other men have also been charged with manslaughter and accessory after the fact; Charles Vincent Chambers, 32, Michael Ludwig Yost, 34 and Kevin Alexander Pigott, 32.
“We often say that homicide investigations are lengthy by nature. These two investigations show that many years after the fact, justice is still sought and those who choose to engage in this horrific crime will be held accountable,” says Staff Sergeant Jennifer Pound.
This investigation received support from a number of agencies including Surrey RCMP and their support units, E-Division support units, LMD Detachments, Police Dog Service and Emergency Response Team.
The Mitchell family has released a statement about the arrests:
David was a bright, compassionate, and determined young man with an enormous heart. He brought us laughter and joy with his unyielding sense of humour and generosity of spirit. He was a gifted writer and creative soul.
Yet, as is all too common in families today, David also suffered from drug addiction. Despite the hardships this would bring, Dave’s love for his family would never waiver; nor would our love for him.
Dave was taken from us with so much of his light left in him. We had always believed that he would overcome his addiction and would have gone on to help others, a desire that he often expressed to those closest to him. Unfortunately, we will never know what could have been.
After enduring eight painful years without answers, we are overjoyed that there is now an opportunity for David to receive the justice he so deserves. As a family, we can finally look ahead to closure and healing.
It is with our heartfelt gratitude that we thank the RCMP Cold Case/IHIT teams, and those individuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this case to fruition.
Without the commitment and determination of the RCMP to seek justice on David’s behalf, the individuals responsible would not be in custody today.
We are forever grateful.
James Erickson:
Erickson, also 25, was shot dead in an apartment building on Feb. 2, 2009. He was discovered by police after they received a call of ‘shots fired.’
David Clifford Sadler, 28, has now been charged with first-degree murder.
Statement from James Erickson’s Mother, Patti:
Not so long ago… In 1983 our Sweet Baby James arrived, a namesake for his Papa whom he loved so much.
Chad awaited his “Little Bruzzer” as he called him. Well, our blonde baby with big cheeks and dimples filled our lives with his humour and sweet delivery of his love. Chad was his best friend and they were inseparable.
Our family grew with the blessing of James’ sister Victoria. He used the kid name Eddy for her. No idea where that came from but this has become a very endearing name since his passing. A pain we will endure forever and ever with no hope of holding our Sweet James.
God gained an angel and we stay in grief with a very large piece of our hearts gone forever.
Comments