A 36-year-old Abbotsford man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the fatal stabbing of an acquaintance in December of last year. Jesse Chamberlain-Lohr was charged over the weekend and remains in custody, according to authorities.
Incident Details
On December 14, 2024, at approximately 11 a.m., 41-year-old Harvey James Lee-Bernick was discovered with life-threatening stab wounds at a residence in the 33900-block of McCrimmon Drive in Abbotsford. He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries. A suspect was taken into custody at the scene.
Charges Approved
Over the weekend, the B.C. Prosecution Service approved a charge of manslaughter against Chamberlain-Lohr. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 15, 2025, and remains in custody until then.
Sergeant Freda Fong of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) stated that investigators believe the incident was targeted and isolated, involving individuals who were known to each other. “IHIT investigators worked tirelessly to determine the exact role and involvement of a number of individuals who were identified at the outset,” Fong said. “The laying of a charge is a significant step, and our thoughts are with Mr. Lee-Bernick’s loved ones as the court proceedings begin.”
Family Statement
The family of Harvey James Lee-Bernick released a statement following the charge. “He is deeply missed and was loved by so many people whose lives he touched,” the family said. “His death has had an immense impact on our family, leaving a loss from which we will never fully recover. We remain hopeful that justice will be served.”
The investigation continues, and authorities are not seeking any additional suspects at this time.
