Community Alert: Manslaughter Charge in Fatal Abbotsford Stabbing

A manslaughter charge has been approved in connection with the December 2025 fatal stabbing of a 41-year-old man at a home in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Investigators with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) say the incident was targeted and involved people who knew one another, and they do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the wider public.

The charge follows an in-depth investigation into a stabbing reported on December 14, 2025, at a residence in the 33900-block of McCrimmon Drive. Despite emergency medical efforts by first responders and hospital staff, the victim, identified as Harvey James Lee-Bernick, died from his injuries later that day.

Official Incident Timeline

According to IHIT and the Abbotsford Police Department, the events unfolded as follows:

• December 14, 2025 – Approximately 11:03 a.m.: Abbotsford Police responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence in the 33900-block of McCrimmon Drive.
• Officers located a 41-year-old man suffering from life-threatening stab wounds. Life-saving measures were initiated at the scene, and he was transported to hospital.
• The victim later died from his injuries. A man was taken into custody that day and then released as the investigation continued.
• IHIT took conduct of the file (IHIT File # 2025-1384), working jointly with the Abbotsford Police Major Crimes Unit (MCU), Forensic Identification Services (FIS), and the BC Coroners Service.

Charges and Court Information

After extensive scene analysis and forensic work, investigators say they were able to clarify the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. The following charge has now been approved:

• Accused: 36-year-old Jesse Chamberlain-Lohr of Abbotsford
• Charge: One count of manslaughter
• Victim: Harvey James Lee-Bernick, 41, of Abbotsford
• Charge approval date: June 6, 2026 (by the BC Prosecution Service)
• Custody status: The accused is currently in custody
• Next court appearance: June 15, 2026
• Public risk assessment: Investigators believe this was a targeted, isolated incident between individuals known to each other, and report no ongoing risk to the general public.

IHIT notes that this charge represents a major step forward in the case and acknowledges the continued grief of Mr. Lee-Bernick’s family, who describe the loss as life-altering and express hope that the court process will bring justice.

Residents who want to better understand local crime trends around incidents like this can review independent data on Abbotsford crime statistics and safety indicators.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this case underscores how serious violence can occur within private residences and among people who already know each other, not only in public spaces or between strangers. For communities across British Columbia, including cities and First Nations communities such as Liard River 3, awareness of interpersonal conflict and early intervention are key to preventing escalation into deadly violence.

While IHIT advises there is no broader public safety threat linked to this specific incident, we encourage residents to take the following general precautions: seek help early when conflicts intensify, reach out to local support services for mental health or substance-related concerns, and promptly report serious threats or weapons-related incidents to police. Community members who stay informed and engaged with local safety information are better equipped to protect themselves and support those around them.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.