Mounties escort family of accused killer fleeing Haida Gwaii, B.C.

The village of Skidegate, B.C., in Haida Gwaii on July 7, 2023. (Shutterstock)

Mounties in British Columbia have taken the unusual step of providing a police escort to protect the family of a 32-year-old man who has been accused of killing another man on the northern archipelago of Haida Gwaii.

Tyson Young was charged last week with the second-degree murder of Luke Pearson, who was struck and killed by a vehicle in what investigators say was a targeted homicide in the Haida community of Skidegate.

• Read more: Major crime investigators sent to Haida Gwaii, B.C., for ‘targeted’ fatal collision

In the days since Pearson’s death, several members of Young’s family fled Haida Gwaii together under threat from residents, while multiple homes associated with the family members were bulldozed and local businesses took to social media to say anyone associated with the suspect was not welcome in their stores.

“After their departure, the RCMP then became aware that the family was being followed by some self-proclaimed protesters,” B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark told CTV News in an email Thursday.

“Their journey was being chronicled on social media, and they were being prevented from sleeping, eating or refueling along the way,” Clark added.

“The family feared for their safety due to the actions of the protesters, which now bordered on criminal harassment.”

• Read more: Group banished from Haida Gwaii, B.C., after man’s killing

Police attended the scene in northern B.C. where videos posted to social media showed a convoy of vehicles being confronted by groups of picketers.

“Police engaged with some of the individuals involved and provided a warning with respect to their actions,” Clark said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, a police escort was provided to the family to ensure their continued safety.”

‘Something historic’

Mounties continue to monitor the family’s journey and are contacting authorities along their route “who may need to intervene during the remainder of the family’s trip, or once they reach their destination,” Clark said.

The Tseshaht First Nation on Vancouver Island tells CTV News the family members are not destined for the Port Alberni area after the nation initially said it was investigating rumours they were on their way there.

“We have received information and can now confirm that the individuals assumed to be coming here, to Port Alberni, Tseshaht territory, are in fact NOT destined for here,” spokesperson Melissa Bigmore said in a statement Thursday.

“We continue to send prayers for the victim’s family of the tragedy on Haida Gwaii.”

Court records show Young is scheduled to appear in court in Prince Rupert on May 28.

Ellis Ross, the recently elected Conservative MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley, a large riding that includes Haida Gwaii, says he will “be watching this issue as it makes it way through the courts.”

“Many First Nations are standing in solidarity with the Haida. I have never seen anything like this before,” Ross, a former chief councillor of the Haisla Nation, wrote on Facebook.

“I’ve seen similar events over the years but nothing like what’s happening in Haida!” he added.

“I can’t help but think that we might be on the edge of something historic.”