A suspect in the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old North Cowichan man has been released from custody with no charges.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said the decision was made to release the man with no conditions after consultation with Crown counsel. As charges have not yet been sworn, the identity of the suspect has not been disclosed.
Cpl. Chris Manseau, spokesperson for the Vancouver Island RCMP, said police continue to investigate the stabbing and are asking anyone who knows anything about the case to contact police at 250-748-5522.
The RCMP believe this was an isolated incident involving two people who knew each other.
Police responded just after 1 a.m. Monday after several reports were received about an assault in the area of Cowichan Lake Road. They found two men outside a residence with one of them suffering from life-threatening injuries.
The other man immediately surrendered to officers.
The injured man was transported to hospital and later pronounced dead.
Police are working with the B.C. Coroners Service on the investigation.
Insp. Chris Bear, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP commander, said for many in the community the thought of a 17-year-old being stabbed to death is incomprehensible. Bear said victims service workers and grief counsellors have been contacted, and are working with those most affected.
