A 32-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in the alleged “targeted” use of a vehicle to kill a Haida Gwaii pedestrian.
Daajing Giids RCMP said the victim was struck shortly after 1 p.m. on April 22 in the 200 block of Front Street in Skidegate, and later died of his injuries.
“From the outset of this collision, this was investigated as a targeted attack, and at no time did the Daajing Giids RCMP feel there was a risk to the greater community or its members,” Daajing Giids RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Chris Manseau said.
Family have identified the victim as Luke Pearson, a Skidegate resident and member of the Haida Juus Eagle Clan.
Late on Friday, RCMP said prosecutors had approved the murder charge against Tyson Young.
“We believe that there was a long-standing issue between the suspect and the victim and we’re trying to determine the cause of that and if this could have been prevented,” Manseau told Global News.
“What came to this boiling point here now was the result of something that happened last summer and it wasn’t nice,” added Hereditary Chief Roy Jones Jr.
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The community has been placed under a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.
“Luke was a proud uncle, loyal friend, a devoted and caring son, brother, and cousin, and loving partner,” Pearson’s family said in a statement.
“He proudly and humbly lived a peaceful and honest life. He worked hard for this life and had a very bright future he was excited for … His life was stolen by evil people in a senseless act with no reason, and our hearts are forever broken.”
The Council of the Haida Nation also issued a statement on Pearson’s death.
“At this time, please focus on supporting the family and one another while remembering all of the goodness of Luke,” the council said.
“To all who knew Luke, he was a kind, generous, caring and innocent Haida man.”
The council added it was in “full support” of the RCMP investigation and receiving regular updates.
The RCMP also pushed back against “social media posts questioning the investigation’s timeline.”
Manseau said officers have been working “round the clock” on the case to collect evidence and speak with witnesses.
“While an arrest is certainly a milestone in any investigation, charge approval is always the ultimate goal,” he said.
“It’s important that we take the time we need to ensure a successful prosecution.”
Anyone with information or relevant video footage is asked to contact Daajing Giids RCMP at 250-559-4421.
With files from Catherine Urquhart
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