Manslaughter charge laid in death of 47-year-old Abbotsford man

April 26, 2026 - Abbotsford, British Columbia
From: IHIT

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Background:

On April 24, 2026, at approximately 6:09 p.m., Abbotsford Police patrol officers responded to a report of a fire at the Peardonville encampment in the 31500 block of South Fraser Way, Abbotsford. 

Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and determined the fire was limited to a single wooden structure. Following fire suppression efforts by Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service, a man was found deceased. Initial investigation led police to suspect homicide. One man was arrested and taken into custody.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) deployed to Abbotsford and assumed conduct of the investigation.

Update:

IHIT continued to advance this investigation with support from the Abbotsford Police Department’s Major Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services (FIS), and the BC Coroners Service.

On April 25, 2026, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) laid one count of manslaughter against 49-year-old Ryan Easton in relation to the death of the 47-year-old victim. Mr. Easton remains in custody pending his next court appearance. Investigators believe this to be an isolated incident where parties were known to each other. 

“Thanks to the swift response of the Abbotsford Police and the subsequent teamwork with IHIT investigators, we submitted evidence to the BCPS which led to charges being laid within 24-hours of the incident,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “IHIT extends its condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. 

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