A Christmas Eve attack that killed a couple in Duncan was targeted, police say.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is investigating the attack, and has identified two male persons of interest.
North Cowichan-Duncan RCMP found the injured man and woman after an assault in the area of Canada Avenue and Trunk Road about 11 p.m. on Tuesday.
They were taken to hospital, where the man was pronounced dead. The woman died in hospital Saturday, police said.
A fundraising page to support the woman’s family identified her as Nellie Williams and said she had been on life support after suffering a stroke while in hospital.
Friends and family have identified the man as Francois “Fran” Shurie, boyfriend of the 29-year-old Williams.
A friend said Williams was a member of the Dididaht First Nation. Williams and Shurie were living homeless in Duncan and had a child living in foster care.
Williams’ uncle is carver John T. Williams, who was shot and killed by a police officer in Seattle in 2010 at the age of 50. A review later determined the shooting was unjustified. The officer resigned and the City of Seattle paid a $1.5-million settlement to the family.
One friend who asked to be identified only as Cathy described Nellie Williams as a person who always had a smile, despite a tough life. Another said that she died trying to protect Shurie.
Police are saying they believe the attack was isolated and there is no risk to the public.
They would like to speak to anyone who was in the area of Trunk Road and Duncan Street or Canada Avenue between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Tuesday, including anyone with dash-cam footage or other video surveillance.
Police ask anyone with information to call the major crime unit at 250-380-6211.
