Image: IHIT / The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the victims of Wednesday's double homicide on Chilliwack Lake Road as 58-year old John Kavaloff and 67-year old Valerie Smith of Chilliwack, in hopes of advancing the investigation. An 83-year-old man, Robert Freeman, has been charged with second-degree murder. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Double homicide in Chilliwack

IHIT names victims in double homicide, charges 83-year-old Robert Freeman of Chilliwack with second-degree murder

Sep 15, 2023 | 9:29 AM

CHILLIWACK — The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the victims of Wednesday’s double homicide on Chilliwack Lake Road in hopes of advancing the investigation.

According to a statement from IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti, investigators have identified the victims as 58-year old John Kavaloff and 67-year old Valerie Smith of Chilliwack.

On Wednesday, September 13, at 7:44 p.m., RCMP officers from the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment responded to a report of shots fired in the 46000 block of Chilliwack Lake Road in Chilliwack. First responders arrived on scene and found two deceased adults in a residence. A suspect was identified at the scene and taken into custody. IHIT has taken conduct of the investigation and is working closely in partnership with the UFVRD RCMP, BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS).

The double homicide occurred at Baker Trail Village, 46511 Chilliwack Lake Road.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Police blocked off access at a mobile park on Chilliwack Lake Road Thursday morning following Wednesday night’s double homicide.

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On Thursday, September 14, the suspect, now identified as 83-year old Robert Freeman of Chilliwack, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder.

“This appears to be an isolated incident between neighbours,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “We’re asking anyone with information regarding this incident, to please contact IHIT immediately.”

IHIT is asking any witnesses to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

As this investigation is now before the courts, there will be no media availability at this time.