A 36-year-old man is facing one count of second-degree murder in connection with two homicides near Saanich’s Uptown Centre on Wednesday.
Christopher Cathcart, of no fixed address, was charged Thursday in the double homicide and is being held in custody.
“Investigators are satisfied that the two homicides had no connection to any of the residents of this neighbourhood, and that the occupants of the residence connected to the investigation were not involved in this tragic incident,” said Detective Sergeant Damian Kowalewich.
Cathcart appeared in court today and will return tomorrow. While police have yet to release the names of the victims, sources have identified Stephanie Elk as one of the two people killed yesterday.
Police believe that there is a relationship between Cathcart and one of the victims and continue to investigate the circumstances of the other homicide.
“We recognize and appreciate that this is a deeply disturbing event for Saanich residents and families, particularly the people directly involved and who live in this area,” said Chief Constable Dean Duthie.
“I want to reassure all Saanich residents, that the immediate, professional, and coordinated response from SPD’s frontline officers addressed and controlled the threat in a very quick, effective, and safe manner. Your safety is our highest priority, and we will continue to report for duty every day and night to ensure that residents and families of Saanich feel safe,” added Duthie.
At around 1 p.m. on October 19th, several areas near Uptown were seen cordoned off with police tape.
This included a home in the 3400 block of Bethune Avenue.
A median dividing both directions of Blanshard Street was taped off as police combed through the brush, and a large area around Bethune Park was blocked off.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit continues to lead the investigation.
