Man Charged With Manslaughter After Fatal Shooting at Abbotsford Homeless Encampment

Subhadarshi Tripathy

6/16/20261 min read

A man has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm following a fatal shooting at a homeless encampment in Abbotsford, B.C.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Abbotsford police responded to reports of a shooting shortly after 11:10 p.m. on March 23.

The shooting took place at the Whatcom Road park-and-ride, which authorities say is home to a large encampment.

Officers found an injured man at the scene. He was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Police have identified the victim as 69-year-old Wayne Versfelt.

James Jared Yake, 39, of Abbotsford has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm in connection with Versfelt’s death.

The charge has not been proven in court.

Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident and say the accused and victim knew each other.

IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong said incidents involving firearms can leave residents feeling shaken and worried about their safety.

She said gun violence is particularly troubling when it happens near vulnerable members of the community.

Police have not released further details about what may have led to the shooting.

Encampment resident Bryan Moen previously told Peazzi that he heard a loud bang on the night of the shooting.

He initially believed a battery may have exploded because fireworks were common around the encampment.

Moen said he waited several minutes before going outside, where he saw people attempting to resuscitate the injured man.

The homicide investigation remains active as the case moves through the courts.

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