The death of a man last weekend is being investigated as a homicide, major crime investigators have confirmed.
The man died after a confrontation in the 1400 block of Hillside Avenue just before 5 a.m. on Saturday.
Family have identified the man as 35-year-old Joe Gauthier and said he died after being stabbed, but police have not confirmed that.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is investigating and has so far been tight-lipped about the case.
They have said only that police responded to the area near the Hillside Mall after a “disturbance call.”
“Investigators continue to collect and examine evidence gathered during the investigation,” said RCMP spokeswoman Staff Sgt. Annie Linteau.
“As the investigation progresses, police will liaise with the B.C. Prosecution Service with respect to any criminal charges in connection to this incident.”
Investigators have not said whether any arrests have been made or if they are looking for one or multiple suspects.
No charges have been laid, Linteau said.
“The investigation remains in its early stages and is ongoing,” she said. “At this point in the investigation, police have no information to suggest the greater public is at risk.”
A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles surrounds a utility pole on Hillside Avenue near where Gauthier was killed.
Gauthier, a father of four, was heavily involved in the football community. His oldest son, 13-year-old Joey, plays for the Saanich Wolverines.
Family friend Hilary Marks said Gauthier’s family has known since shortly after his death that it was a homicide.
“It’s nothing new to us,” she said.
“This is an unfortunate tragedy.”
Marks said Gauthier’s mother, Darlene Hogue, is distraught. “We’re grieving, we’re hurting. Nothing will bring back Joe.”
Jeff Johnson, Gauthier’s stepfather, said the family is struggling to come to terms with his death.
“We’re not happy and we don’t have all the answers,” he said.
Police are looking for witnesses and anyone with information is asked to call 250-380-6211. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).
