News release

Man found guilty after the 2017 homicide of Abbotsford woman

July 24, 2025 - Abbotsford, British Columbia
From: IHIT

Content

File # 2017-1197

Background:

On July 30, 2017, the Abbotsford Police Department received a report of a missing 22-year-old woman and began conducting an extensive search and investigation.

On August 16, 2017, the Abbotsford Police Department initiated a search in the area near Sylvester Road and Dale Road northeast of Mission, about 70 kilometres east of Vancouver. During this search, a deceased woman was located and later identified as 22-year-old Chelsey Gauthier of Abbotsford.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation and worked in close partnership with the Abbotsford Police Department, the BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS). Since the outset of this investigation, IHIT investigators have worked tirelessly with policing partners to advance this investigation and bring it before the courts.

On September 10, 2022, the BC Prosecution Service charged Gary Losch with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains in the homicide of Chelsey Gauthier.

Update:

On July 22, 2025, Gary Losch appeared at the Abbotsford Supreme Court where Justice Dley found Mr. Losch not guilty of second-degree murder, but guilty of the included offence of manslaughter, and guilty of indignity to human remains in relation to the homicide of Chelsey Gauthier.

"This was a tragic crime that has had a profound impact on Chelsey’s family and her community," says IHIT spokesperson Cpl. Sukhi Dhesi.

IHIT would like to thank our policing partners across the region for their work throughout this investigation. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Quotes

"My family and I are very grateful to IHIT, the Abbotsford Police Department and the Prosecution team for all the hard work they have done over the past eight years. I wear this green ribbon because it was Chelsey’s favourite colour and her necklace that I can’t part with. Chelsey loved her family and friends and she will not be forgotten."

Ray Gauthier, Chelsey’s father

Contacts