Homicide team takes over ‘suspicious’ death investigation at B.C. care home

An investigation into a suspicious death at a Christian care home in B.C.’s Fraser Valley has been turned over to the homicide team.

B.C.’s homicide squad has taken over the investigation into a “suspicious” death at a government-funded Christian care home in the Fraser Valley.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said the Menno Home resident’s cause of death has not been determined as of Tuesday, nearly three weeks after the fact.

While authorities still consider the circumstances suspicious, they have not categorized the case as a homicide, despite IHIT’s involvement.

“IHIT’s mandate includes taking deaths of suspicious circumstances and at this time we are working closely with the B.C. Coroners Service to determine the cause,” Cpl. Sukhi Dhesi told CTV News, in an email.

Two residents were transferred from Menno Home to Abbotsford Regional Hospital on July 6 after both experienced medical emergencies. Police have not shared any further details on the nature of those emergencies, except that the circumstances raised suspicions.

One of the patients died days later, on July 10.

IHIT said it is working with the Abbotsford Police Department to “understand the circumstances” that led to both patients’ hospitalizations.

Menno Home CEO Sujata Connors addressed families in a video statement Tuesday, offering assurances that their loved ones living at the facility are not in danger.

“The safety of every resident on our campus is our highest priority,” Connors said. “Abbotsford police have stated that there is no public safety concern for residents living at Menno Place.”

The care home, which is operated by the Mennonite Benevolent Society, previously said that “additional safety measures” had been implemented at the facility, but did not respond to a CTV News request for further details.

The regional health authority has also launched a licensing investigation into what happened, with Menno Home’s co-operation.

Fraser Health funds 196 beds at the property.

“We have high expectations about the safety of individuals in the care of our contracted service providers,” a spokesperson told CTV News last week.

According to the facility’s website, Menno Home welcomes residents of “all ethnic and faith backgrounds.”

“As a Christian campus of care, we welcome your prayers for all who live, work and serve at Menno Place,” Connors said.