Family of man stabbed to death near Abbotsford homeless camp pleads for help solving homicide
The family of a man who was stabbed to death near an Abbotsford homeless camp is pleading for help, and a mother is telling the story of the son she lost.
Robert Nelson, 35, had been living in a tent at the camp near King and Riverside Road for three years, and was dealing with a substance use disorder when he was killed.
“The drugs did not kill him. The homelessness did not kill him. The combination, however, placed him in a time and place of vulnerability,” said Angie Nelson, his mother, in a statement.
The investigation into Nelson’s death is “active and ongoing,” according to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. The agency and the family are looking for more leads.
“Like so many in today’s society, he had issues, which he was struggling with. My son is a human being and deserves to be treated with the dignity, respect, compassion, and care as that is how he treated others. He did not deserve to be murdered,” she said.
Angie told of how she received a knock on her door from police on April 8, the day after her son was killed, and how she travelled to the camp to see where he had been living and to meet his neighbours.
“I walked in the footsteps of my son, visited the tent he built and lived in, and paid homage to where his body was found,” she said.
“Throughout the more than six hours I spent there, I met many of his friends who shared stories of how he touched their lives, helped those in need even when he had nothing at all, and how he showed compassion and love to all.”
“I am so very proud to be his mother,” she said.
Angie is also calling for changes to drug policies.
“I challenge lawmakers, agencies, social services, and medical professionals alike to take immediate action and stop this humanitarian crisis,” she said.
Nelson also left behind two kids, several siblings and many other family members and friends. The family has launched a GoFundMe page they say is to help pay for expenses related to his death and memorial.
Sgt. Frank Jang of IHIT says that anyone with information can contact the agency at 1-877-551-4448, or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.