A man initially charged with aggravated assault in connection with an attack in Port Alberni in August has had the charges upgraded to second-degree murder after the victim died.
Port Alberni RCMP found a 33-year-old man with significant injuries on Aug. 7 after reports of an attack with a weapon on 4th Avenue.
The assailant had fled.
Jonathan Womacks, 44, was charged with aggravated assault on Aug. 18, but the victim died three days later.
The charge was upgraded Sept. 1 by the B.C. Prosecution Service.
Womacks remains in custody
“The Port Alberni RCMP is dedicated to ensuring these crimes are investigated to the fullest extent, and ensuring the safety of the public,” said Const. Richard Johns. “No resource was left idle, as our Major Crimes Unit has taken conduct of the investigation with the assistance of all available local supports.”
