Image: File photo, CFJC Today

By Aaron Schulze, CFJC Today (B100)

Suspicious death

RCMP investigating suspicious death in Merritt, appealing to public for tips

Mar 4, 2025 | 3:14 PM

MERRITT — RCMP are investigating a suspicious death in Merritt.

In a news release distributed Tuesday (Mar. 4), emergency responders were called to a home on Monday to find a man in medical distress. They provided life-saving measures for injuries believed to be suspicious in nature, but could not save the victim.

Police are identifying the victim as John Beauchemin in an effort to determine his movements prior to his death.

The Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SED MCU) has taken over the investigation.

“Investigators are diligently tracing Beauchemin’s final movements and interactions leading up to the time of his death,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Smart of the SED MCU. “At this time, there is believed to be no cause for public concern as investigators continue to gather and assess the facts surrounding Beauchemin’s death.”

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Anyone with information that could help investigators piece together what happened to Beauchemin is asked to call SED MCU’s tip line at 1 (877) 987-8477.