ON July 6, the Abbotsford Police Department was alerted by the Abbotsford Regional Hospital regarding two patients who had been transferred from Menno Home. Both individuals were experiencing medical emergencies that raised concerns due to their suspicious nature. Sadly, on July 10, one of the patients died.
The investigation was promptly taken over by the Abbotsford Police’s Major Crime Unit. Detectives worked closely with Menno Home and medical professionals to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of one individual and the hospitalization of another from the same residential care home.
The residential care home is cooperating with the investigation and additional safety and security measures were implemented to protect the well-being of the residents.
IHIT said on Tuesday that it has now taken conduct of this investigation, as its mandate includes investigating deaths of a suspicious nature. It said its role is to determine the circumstances of the death and whether criminality is a factor. At this stage, further investigation is required.
IHIT is working closely with its policing partners at Abbotsford Police and the BC Coroners Service to further understand the circumstances regarding the death of one resident and the hospitalization of another.
It said its investigators are working diligently to gather evidence, review CCTV footage, conduct interviews and liaise with medical professionals to advance the investigation.
“Understandably, this has raised concerns, especially for those living in care homes and for families of residents,” said IHIT Cpl. Sukhi Dhesi of IHIT. “We recognize there are many questions, and I can assure you that IHIT is actively working to advance the investigation and find answers.”
At this time, we cannot release any further details. Those seeking support are encouraged to reach out to their local Victim Services.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or via email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
