An 18-year-old man has been arrested and is facing manslaughter charges in the city’s third homicide of the year.
Dakota Saje Wildeman-McNeil, 19, died Friday night following an altercation near the intersection of Keefer Street and Jackson Avenue. The incident occurred at around 9:15 p.m. when, police said, Wildeman-McNeil was allegedly assaulted with a weapon. The suspect ran off and Wildeman-McNeil was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Christopher Aiden Kematch, 18, was arrested early Sunday morning in downtown Vancouver. He has been charged with manslaughter and remains in police custody.
An online fundraiser has been started to raise money for Wildeman-McNeil’s family, including his one-year-old son, to help cover funeral and other costs.
“The money will go towards any expenses including funeral arrangements so he can have the service he deserves,” wrote Jennifer Valliers, who started the fundraiser. “And to help the family get through the next little while in [this] dark time.”
As of Monday morning, the campaign had raised close to $4,500.
@JessicaEKerr
jkerr@vancourier.com
