A suspect has been charged with second-degree murder following the stabbing death of a 20-year-old Chemainus man.
Colin John, 25, also faces a charge of attempted murder, according to North Cowichan-Duncan RCMP.
RCMP were called to a report of a stabbing on Caswell Street at around 2 p.m. Friday.
Officers found two stabbing victims: a 16-year-old Cowichan Valley girl who suffered serious injuries but is now recovering in hospital, and the young man who succumbed to his injuries en route to hospital.
John sustained his own minor injuries in the incident and was immediately arrested and taken to hospital. He has since been released and remains in police custody.
The families of all three individuals have been contacted.
It’s still not clear what happened, but RCMP spokesman Sgt. John Swain said the three people involved knew each other.
“They knew each other, were not close, but they did know each other,” he said.
A neighbour who lives on Caswell Street said she was stunned that a death had occurred on the normally quiet street.
“Very much of a shock to me, and it’s a wonderful area. Everybody’s friendly, we all look after each other,” said Sharon Russell-Ricciardi. “I just went out to do a few groceries, and I come back and everything’s cordoned off.”
An investigation into the stabbings is ongoing.
Forensic and investigative units from around Vancouver Island are assisting.
