Charged: Driver Involved in Fatal Hit-and-Run in Courtenay Faces First-Degree Murder Charge

COURTENAY, BC – A driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Courtenay last week has been charged with first-degree murder. Comox Valley RCMP responded to a report of an injured cyclist on the Comox Valley Parkway near Minto Road in Courtenay just before 11 p.m. on Feb. 8.

The cyclist was discovered by a passerby who immediately called 911. Despite receiving first aid from paramedics and the Cumberland Fire Department, the cyclist succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The Vancouver Island integrated major crime unit took over the investigation and located a vehicle suspected to have been involved.

Over the weekend, 45-year-old Steven Squires of Cumberland was charged with one count of first-degree murder and failing to stop at the scene of a crash causing death. Squires is currently in custody, and police have stated that no further details will be released while the case is before the courts.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the major crime information line at 250-380-6211. The impact of the hit-and-run incident has reverberated throughout the community, highlighting the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. The victim’s family and friends are grieving the loss of their loved one, and the local community has come together to support them during this difficult time.

The case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for accountability and responsibility on the road. In the wake of this tragic event, there is a renewed call for drivers to prioritize safety and to uphold the laws that are in place to protect all road users. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community will be closely watching to ensure that justice is served for the victim and their loved ones.

The impact of this incident extends beyond the legal ramifications, sparking conversations about the need for greater awareness and action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The community is standing in solidarity with the victim’s family and advocating for safer streets for all.