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Charges after body found

UPDATE: 1:40 p.m.

Three men accused of killing a 20-year-old man near Hope appeared in Kelowna provincial court on Monday morning.

Ryan Watt, 26, Joshua Fleurant, 20 and Jared Jorgenson, 27, have all been charged with first-degree murder.

RCMP were called to a rural forest service road north of Hope, where they identified Michael Bonin as the deceased on April 20, 2017.

Their next court appearance is on Jan. 29.


ORIGINAL: 11:39 a.m.

B.C.'s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has arrested and charged three males in connection with the murder of a 20-year-old male in April 2017. 

Michael Bonin's body was found on a rural forest service road north of Hope on the morning of April 20. 

The victim, of Rycroft, Alberta, was found dead at about 7:30 a.m.

“IHIT investigators worked tirelessly to advance this investigation and the complexity was such that a successful resolution would not have been possible without the support of our many partners,” said Cpl. Frank Jang of IHIT.  “We are hopeful that this can now help the family of Mr. Bonin begin their journey towards the healing process.” 

Almost nine months after the homicide of Bonin IHIT has collected enough evidence to lay criminal charges against Ryan Watt, 26, Joshua Fleurant, 20 and Jared Jorgenson, 27.

All three males have been charged with first-degree murder and will be appearing before a B.C. Provincial Court Judge today. 

"Michael did not deserve to die, he was a loving, helpful and loyal young man who had lots to live for," said Bonin's mother in a statement. "The pain of losing Michael will never go away and many lives have been changed by this selfish act."
 
"I hope those responsible for taking Michael’s life are held accountable."

IHIT is unable to release the specifics surrounding evidence or motive. 

The case is now before the court, investigators believe that this homicide was not a random incident.   
 
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at [email protected]
 
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

– with files from The Canadian Press



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