Saanich Police have confirmed the identity of the second victim in last week’s double homicide investigation.
In a media release, Saanich Police said investigators are now identifying the victim as 36-year-old William “Billy” Bradshaw, in hopes of advancing the investigation.
Bradshaw’s body was discovered in the grassy median between the northbound and southbound lanes of Blanshard Street, just south of Saanich Road.
On Wednesday October 19th, multiple areas near Uptown were seen cordoned off with police tape.
This included a home in the 3400 block of Bethune Avenue and the median dividing both directions of Blanshard Street, as well as Bethune Park.
Following the incident, a large police presence could be seen combing through the brush in the median of Blanshard.
At the time, police said they were investigating two homicides that “appear to be related,” and they later clarified that the residents of the home on Bethune Avenue were not involved in the incident.
“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.
The following day, on Thursday, October 20th, Saanich Police confirmed the suspect, 36-year-old Christopher Cathcart, of no fixed address, was charged with one count of second-degree murder.
Jade Elk was identified as the other victim of the stabbing. Her mother is holding a candlelit vigil to honour her daughter Tuesday night at Rutledge Park in honour of her memory.
The vigil will be held no matter what the weather has in store, so the organizers recommend dressing for the weather and they ask that you bring your own candle.
Judy Elk encourages friends of her daughter’s to share their precious memories and photos online and at the ceremony in Rutledge Park.
Elk’s mother Judy will be flying with her two granddaughters to Manitoba for a traditional funeral with the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation in the coming weeks.
Financial contributions are welcome by the family to assist with the cost of the funeral.
Elk’s mother, Judy, said Cathcart and her daughter were in a relationship.
As for the second victim, Bradshaw, Saanich Police say they are still working to determine if there are any connections between the two homicide investigations.
“Investigators continue to build a timeline of events of Mr. Bradshaw’s last movements the morning of Wednesday, October 19th,” said Kowalewich.
VIIMCU are now looking for any witnesses or dashcam footage from anyone travelling in the northbound and/or southbound lanes of Blanshard Street, between Cloverdale Road and Saanich Road, between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. last Wednesday.
Anyone with information regarding Bradshaw are also asked to contact the VIIMCU Information Line at 250-380-6211.
