Manslaughter charge after fatal shooting at Abbotsford Highway 1 encampment

Jared Yake, 39, has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm in the March death of Wayne Versfelt, 69, at a Whatcom Road Park & Ride camp.

Abbotsford man charged in shooting death at homeless encampment

A 39-year-old Abbotsford man has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm following a fatal shooting at a large homeless encampment near Highway 1, Vancouver Sun Crime reports.

Wayne Versfelt, 69, was shot at the Whatcom Road Park & Ride in Abbotsford at around 11 p.m. on March 23. He was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Investigators from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) arrested Jared Yake of Abbotsford on Saturday in connection with Versfelt's death. Yake now faces a charge of manslaughter with a firearm.

IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong said Versfelt and Yake knew each other and described the shooting as an isolated incident between the two men.

"Any time there is gun violence, it can leave residents feeling shaken and concerned for their safety, and it is particularly troubling and impactful when it occurs around the most vulnerable members of our community," Fong said. "IHIT investigators remained committed to uncovering the truth, and it is our hope that the laying of this charge represents a step toward closure for the victim's loved ones and the community."

The Whatcom Road site has for years served as home to a large number of homeless people, who have erected tents, RVs and other structures across much of the lot. The City of Abbotsford has identified the encampment as a public safety concern, but the land falls under provincial jurisdiction, placing it outside the reach of municipal bylaws. The city has called on federal and provincial authorities to address the situation.

Source: Vancouver Sun Crime