The mother of a man stabbed to death in a Nanaimo park says her son was the innocent victim of a senseless, random act of violence.
In a letter released to media, Cindy Parsons said Fred Parsons, 29, had gone to Maffeo Sutton Park the evening of Sept. 5 with his small dog and two friends, including his “sweetheart and soulmate,” Rose.
She said the trio had stopped to play on the swings when they were attacked with bear spray.
“They laughed and giggled as they bumped each other,” she said. “It is their laughter and joy that possibly drew the attention of thugs.”
Parsons was stabbed around 11:30 p.m. Nanaimo RCMP, who were already searching the area after receiving a report that a group of youths was intimidating a security guard on the waterfront, spotted the injured man. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Mark Jayden Harrison, 19, was charged with second-degree murder on Friday in connection with the stabbing.
“In the face of this fast and forceful aggression, the three gentle friends did not have a chance to escape,” Cindy Parsons said. She said her son was born with disabilities, and he and his friends were not using alcohol or drugs.
“He was a much loved, admired and respected young man. He was only 29 and he had dreams, goals and passions to explore.
“He believed in fairness, kindness, justice, generosity and respect and he lived out those truths,” she added. “He loved the sounds and smells of nature. The forest trails and waterfront were his happy places.”
Parsons described her son as “handsome, funny, gentle, generous, goofy, thoughtful and unique.”
Parsons said “the circle of trauma is wide” following her son’s death.
“The shock and trauma are palpable for all the people in Fred’s life,” she said. “We are grateful for all of this kindness and healing energy being sent our way. Keep it coming. We are going to need it for a while.”
Harrison appeared in Nanaimo provincial court Friday morning and has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance Sept. 20.
