Christopher Douglas Cathcart has been charged with one count of second-degree murder connected to two homicides near Saanich’s Uptown Centre on Oct. 19.
He is charged with the homicide of Stephanie Elk, according to the Victoria court registry. Outreach workers tell CHEK News Elk was Indigenous and their client. It is unclear if she was or was not unhoused.
Late Wednesday night, witnesses tell CHEK News a body was removed from the park in between Blanshard and Highway 17 near Uptown into a coroner’s car.
Cathcart, who also goes by the alias Christian Douglas Bird, had his first court appearance and remains in custody pending another appearance on Oct. 21.
#Update on the Saanich double murder. As of 2:30 today, 36-year-old Christopher Douglas Cathcart is facing one charge of second degree murder of a woman named Stephanie Elk. Cathcart remains in custody, appearing again tomorrow in court. pic.twitter.com/tdstWxbt2P
— Kori Sidaway (@korisidaway) October 20, 2022
Saanich Police say the charges have been laid against Cathcart for one of the homicides, and continue to investigate the circumstances of the second homicide.
It is believed Cathcart had a relationship with one of the victims.
“Investigators are satisfied that the two homicides had no connection to any of the residents of this neighbourhood, and that the occupants of the residence connected to the investigation were not involved in this tragic incident,” stated Det. Sgt. Damian Kowalewich in a news release.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit continues to lead the investigation.
“We recognize and appreciate that this is a deeply disturbing event for Saanich residents and families, particularly the people directly involved and who live in this area, said Dean Duthie, Saanich Police’s chief constable. “I want to reassure all Saanich residents, that the immediate, professional, and coordinated response from SPD’s frontline officers addressed and controlled the threat in a very quick, effective, and safe manner. Your safety is our highest priority, and we will continue to report for duty every day and night to ensure that residents and families of Saanich feel safe.”
READ MORE: One male arrested as Saanich Police investigate two homicides near Uptown
This is a developing story. More details will be added as they become available.
-With files from CHEK’s Kori Sidaway
CHEK News
