Prosecutors have charged two men in the death of Kenneth Thomas Howe, whose body was found in a commercial area near Burnaby Lake in the summer of 2021, RCMP say.
B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. David Lee said police on Saturday arrested John Perry Harasym, who now faces a charge of second-degree murder.
Lee said prosecutors also laid one charge of indignity to human remains against Jesse River Miller, 34, who police believe became involved after Howe died.
“We hope that this is a step to obtaining some answers for the friends and family of Kenneth Howe,” Lee said, adding police will not share more details.
In August 2021, Burnaby RCMP said they were called about a body at the 6200-block of Darnley Street, just west of Burnaby Lake Regional Park.
Police later identified the dead man as Howe, who was from Surrey and aged 38.
At the time, police said they did not believe his death was connected to gang conflict, but it did appear to be targeted.
The two suspects, who remain in police custody, are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 20.
According to online court records, Harasym, also known as “Big Red,” was found guilty on several charges of breach of probation orders and one count of assault with a weapon in 2010.
In 2016, Harasym was also found guilty of using imitation firearms, robbery and unlawful confinement or imprisonment.