B.C. man charged with murder of Belgian tourist
Amelie Sakkalis was a free spirit and independent world traveller who flagged rides to get around, sofa-surfed for places to sleep, and loved to meet new people.
But the 28-year-old Belgian’s adventure came to a brutal end when she was slain on a hitchhiking trip from Penticton to Vancouver on Aug. 22.
Sean Ryan William McKenzie has been charged with first degree murder in the death of Sakkalis, whose body was found near Boston Bar four weeks ago.
A court appearance has been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in Chilliwack provincial court, but a publication ban is imposed on the details.
The day before she died, Sakkalis posted to a page on Facebook called Le Guide de Croutard looking for a ride to Vancouver. The next day — her last — she posted again looking for a place to stay in the city because the hostels were full.
Police said Sakkalis met McKenzie that same day.
Members of the group — an online community of francophones travelling in B.C. — exchange information about places to visit, as well as to seek and offer rides.
Friends and family have been posting their memories and photos of Sakkalis on Facebook.
“Happiness is not a destination to reach, but a way to travel,” wrote her cousin, Catherine Luyckx. “That was your philosophy, cousin! You are beautiful in those landscapes you loved.”
From her friends: “Repose en paix petite Amélie Sakkalis.” “You had a beautiful life.”
In an online profile for couchsurfing.com, Sakkalis describes herself as an open-minded and easy-going person who prefers to travel alone.
“That is also the best option to learn tips from locals and discover new cultures and ways of living,” she wrote.
“I’m also very curious, I like to learn about people, their way of living and to experience new things. The main reason why I’m travelling is to discover myself.”
Before travelling in Canada, Sakkalis worked as an “au pair for five months in Ireland and one month is Spain.”
Couch-surfing host Samantha Grayson of Toronto described Sakkalis as a “super-fun girl. She was great to hang out with and is an easy-going person. She was clean and followed all house rules.”
McKenzie, who lives in Oliver, appears to have met Sakkalis just before her death, said Integrated Homicide Investigation Team spokesman Cpl. Frank Jang.
IHIT arrested the 27-year-old suspect on Sept. 14. McKenzie does not have a criminal record, but travels extensively throughout B.C. for work.
“We hope … people who saw Mr. McKenzie with Miss Sakkalis on Aug. 22 will contact IHIT,” Jang said. “We are not done with this investigation.”
Jang would not say if McKenzie is linked to other unsolved homicides.
On Aug. 22, police were alerted to the crime scene by a phone call and discovered the body of Sakkalis just before 8 p.m.
“We know that [McKenzie and Sakkalis] had recently met that day,” said Jang “We know she was alive earlier that day.”
Police believe Sakkalis was hitchhiking from Penticton to Vancouver.
“Amélie’s family in Belgium was notified of the developments in her case and IHIT hopes this will assist them in their healing process,” said Jang.
“You can imagine the shock of receiving that news, made more difficult by the fact that it happened in a foreign land.”
The police had arrested McKenzie in connection with the homicide earlier, but no criminal charges were recommended, and he was released from custody.
A white 1994 Chevrolet Astro van was seized by investigators near the crime scene as it was believed to be associated with the incident, and with McKenzie. Investigators gathered enough evidence in the meantime to recommend charges, Jang said.
Travellers are being asked to review dash camera footage in case they happened to record footage of Sakkalis, who spoke French, along the route.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.