Three Men Face First-Degree Murder Charges in 2023 Dawson Creek New Year's Eve Killing
Three men have been formally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the tragic death of 37-year-old Robert Eric Douglas Girbav, whose lifeless body was discovered on December 31, 2023, in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The charges mark a significant development in a case that has deeply affected the local community and raised concerns about violent crime in the region.
Discovery of the Victim and Vehicle
Dawson Creek RCMP officers were initially alerted to a suspicious vehicle located at the intersection of 17th Street and 116th Avenue on New Year's Eve 2023. Upon investigation, they found Girbav deceased inside a red Dodge Caliber. The circumstances immediately prompted a major criminal investigation.
Arrests and Charges Approved
The RCMP's North District Major Crime Unit assumed control of the investigation, leading to coordinated arrests in both British Columbia and Alberta this past Saturday. The B.C. Prosecution Service has since approved one count of first-degree murder against each of the following individuals:
- Tanner Allan Murray, 31 years old
- Robert James Sinclair, 34 years old
- Benjamin James Elliott Touchette, 36 years old
Investigators have confirmed that all three accused individuals were acquainted with the victim, Robert Girbav. Notably, at the time of their arrest for the murder charge, all three men were already in custody on unrelated charges.
Complex Investigation and Community Impact
Superintendent Sanjaya Wijayakoon of the B.C. RCMP Major Crime Unit described the case as a "complex investigation" that required extensive resources and collaboration. The investigative effort was significantly assisted by the Dawson Creek RCMP detachment, the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), and specialized forensic identification teams.
Wijayakoon acknowledged the profound impact of Girbav's death, stating, "We acknowledge that the loss of Mr. Girbav was felt widely and contributed to ongoing community concerns regarding crime and violence in the Dawson Creek area." This statement underscores the case's significance beyond the immediate legal proceedings, touching on broader public safety issues in the community.
The charges represent a crucial step toward justice for Robert Girbav and his loved ones, following a meticulous three-year investigation into the circumstances surrounding his untimely death on what should have been a celebratory holiday evening.
