Police investigating death near Nanaimo highway as a homicide

Police investigating death near Nanaimo highway as a homicide
Nanaimo RCMP
Nanaimo RCMP believe Randell Charles Thomas, 58, was killed following an altercation with or more individuals sometime on March 31 in the Tamara Drive area.

Mounties say they are investigating the death of a man found in some bushes near a highway in Nanaimo as a homicide.

According to a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, Nanaimo RCMP believe Randell Charles Thomas, 58, was killed following an altercation with or more individuals sometime on March 31 beside the Nanaimo Parkway in the Tamara Drive area.

“At this time, it is unknown if there was more than one individual involved in the altercation,” Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien said in a media release.

The 58-year-old’s body was discovered in some bushes off of a dirt walking trail on March 31 at around 6:45 p.m., according to RCMP, who say he was found wearing dark clothing, including a black hoodie with a white logo on the front.

Although it is unclear exactly when Thomas died, investigators are focusing on a window of time between 2:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on March 31.

Mounties also say Thomas did not reside in the immediate area and it is clear whether he walked through the Tamara Drive neighborhood prior to his death, and will be canvassing the area to speak with residents.

Anyone with information regarding the death is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit, who are also asking motorists to check their dash cam video between 2:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on March 31 for any possible footage.

The Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit can be reached at 250-754-2345.

Thomas, 58, was found dead in some bushes near the Nanaimo Parkway on March 31. (Nanaimo RCMP)

CHEK NewsCHEK News

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!