The names of both the suspect and victim in Burnaby’s latest homicide have been identified.
On Friday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced manslaughter and aggravated assault charges against Samuel James Calladine, 53. The charges stem from an incident at a homeless camp earlier this week.
On Monday evening, police were called to a double stabbing at a homeless camp in the area of Rumble Street and Griffith Drive. Police found an injured man who was taken to hospital and later released. But after searching the area, police found a second man in a ravine who succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The dead man has been identified as Rickey Gordon Melanson, 48. Police noted the two men had known each other for years and had set up their tents in the ravine.
“IHIT and Burnaby RCMP investigators have worked collectively to obtain the evidence required for charge approval,” said IHIT Cpl. Meghan Foster in a statement. “The charges against Mr. Calladine, just a few days post offence, speaks to the persistence and commitment shown by all agencies, to seek justice for those who have died unfairly."
Police didn’t offer any further details about the homicide.
Calladine remains in custody and is expected to be in court on Nov. 10.
According to court records, Calladine has a lengthy criminal record going back years that includes convictions for assaults in Surrey and Chilliwack.
Earlier this week, IHIT also noted there was no apparent connection to a homicide at another homeless camp a couple weeks ago.
On Oct. 9 the body of Kevin William Knuff, 56, was found near a homeless camp on North Road. That investigation is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Monday’s incident is Burnaby’s third murder of the month and fifth of the year.
On Oct. 5, Hee Sook Youn’s body was found in her Burnaby business on North Road. The main suspect, her husband Youngku Youn, is still being sought by police.
