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Fatal-stabbing suspect in court for breach of bail conditions; victim remembered as a 'positive light'

The man killed in downtown Victoria on Tuesday has been identified as John Dickinson by his sister, who has started a fundraiser to bring her brother’s body back to their mother in Ontario.
03022022-john dickinson
John Dickinson has been identified by family as the man fatally stabbed in downtown Victoria on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. VIA FACEBOOK

A suspect in the fatal stabbing of a young man in downtown Victoria appeared in court Wednesday morning for allegedly breaching his bail conditions on an earlier charge of attempted murder.

The 28-year-old Royal Roads University student was arrested and detained Tuesday after the early-morning stabbing outside Lucky Bar on lower Yates Street.

He faces three charges in connection with a stabbing Feb. 6 on Lang Street. The attempted-murder charge alleges he stabbed his victim with one or more knives. He is also charged with committing aggravated assault and breaking and entering a locked bedroom in the Lang Street house.

He remains in custody at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre.

The fatal stabbing early Tuesday is being investigated by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit.

On Wednesday, a bouquet of flowers and a candle were on the ground outside Lucky Bar.

Police have not released the name of the victim. But he has been identified as John Dickinson by his sister, Jasmine Bauer, who started a fundraiser to bring her brother’s body back to their mother in Ontario. So far, 48 people have donated, raising close to the $5,000 goal.

“Anyone who knew Johnny knew he was a goofy, silly, laid-back kind of guy,” Jasmine wrote on the fundraising page.

“Johnny would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was a hard-working man who loved to work and loved to play. He didn’t deserve this and I know he will be missed by so many. I am trying to raise money to get him home to mom.

“Honestly my heart is broken … If you can’t donate that’s ok. Please share and say a prayer. We can use as many as we can get.”

Family friend Sarah Maslen described Dickinson, who moved to Victoria from St. Catharines, Ont., as a light.

“I will always remember him for his kindness and empathy for others. At family functions he was always the positive light that brought us all together,” she wrote on the website.

“Whoever did this took a very kind soul from this planet,” another friend posted on Facebook. “Our friends and community are gonna be very affected. He was a very laid back, easy going happy person. Not one to have controversy about anything.”

Victoria patrol officers were called to the 500-block of Yates Street just before 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. They provided emergency first aid before B.C. Ambulance paramedics arrived to take over.

The suspect was located with help from a police dog about 30 minutes later.

ldickson@timescolonist.com