Vancouver Island man charged in RCMP constable's death
Criminal charges have been laid against a man six months after a Vancouver Island Mountie was killed when her police cruiser was hit broadside by a pickup truck.
British Columbia’s Criminal Justice Branch said Wednesday that Kenneth Fenton, 28, faces five charges after the death of Const. Sarah Beckett. She died while working an overnight shift April 5 for the West Shore RCMP in Langford.
Charges against Fenton include impaired driving causing death and flight from police causing death.
The Criminal Justice Branch statement also said Fenton faces charges of dangerous driving causing death, impaired driving and refusing to provide a blood sample.
Fenton is scheduled to appear in provincial court in nearby Colwood at a later date.
Beckett, an 11-year veteran of the RCMP, was mourned by thousands of people who lined local streets during her funeral procession.
Police officers and first-responders from across Canada and the United States attended the public service at a hockey arena.
Beckett, 32, left behind a husband and two sons, aged five and two.
Island District Commander, Chief Supt. Ray Bernoties, said in a statement Wednesday that because the case was before the court it would be inappropriate for him to comment, “other than to say thank you, once again, to the community for the overwhelming support that we have received.”
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson attended Beckett’s service. B.C. Premier Christy Clark and Opposition New Democrat Leader John Horgan also attended the public service.
The West Shore RCMP serves Horgan’s provincial riding and the NDP leader was clearly shaken by the death of the Mountie, struggling to compose himself in public appearances shortly after Beckett’s death.