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
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
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.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.