Police have arrested a man following a homicide in a small northern B.C. community last Sunday.
Drake Matthew Kerr is charged with second-degree murder in the killing of a man found dead in Mackenzie, B.C. The community of around 3,700 people is located about 150 kilometres north of Prince George.
The RCMP’s North District Major Crime Unit issued a warrant for Kerr’s arrest last week, after gunshots were reported early Sept. 29 near a home in the 100-block of Centennial Drive, where a man’s body was later found by officers.
The B.C. Prosecution Service approved a charge of second-degree murder against Kerr on Tuesday, RCMP Corp. Madonna Saunderson said at the time.
In an update provided Saturday, RCMP Const. Brett Urano said Kerr had been arrested on Friday by Mackenzie RCMP, and is now in custody pending a court appearance.
“Kerr is in custody because of the hard work our officers and the public’s assistance in locating this man wanted for violent offences,” he said.
In 2022, Kerr was accused of possessing a firearm without a licence or registration, uttering threats, pointing a firearm and careless use of a firearm, court documents show.
He is scheduled to appear at a court hearing related to these allegations on Oct. 17.
Mackenzie RCMP say the B.C. Prosecution Service has approved a charge of second-degree murder against Drake Matthew Kerr. (Mackenzie RCMP)
According to Saunderson, the major crimes unit is investigating the Mackenzie, B.C., death alongside local RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service.
Police believe there is no risk to the public and say the death appears to be an isolated incident.
They ask anyone who may have information or surveillance footage from the area around the home to contact Mackenzie RCMP at 250-997-3288.