Police say a Victoria man is facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of Joe Gauthier in March.
Gauthier, a 35-year-old father of four, died after a confrontation in the 1400 block of Hillside Avenue just before 5 a.m. on March 10. Family members said he was stabbed during a house party.
An area of Hillside Avenue, from Gosworth Road and Belmont Avenue, blocked off by Victoria police following the death of 35-year-old Joe Gauthier.
Victoria police were called to the area for a disturbance early in that morning and discovered Gauthier. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) announced that they were investigating the case as a homicide on March 16.
On Sunday, VicPD confirmed Daniel Forrest Creagh, 26, was arrested by VIIMCU investigators in Maple Ridge, with the assistance of Ridge Meadows RCMP, after Crown approved of one charge of second-degree murder. Creagh was arrested after he was released from custody in relation to another unrelated matter, police said. According to court documents, the charge was sworn on July 20.
Jessica Moraes, the mother of two of Gauthier’s sons, said the charge is a step forward for the family.
“We have just been waiting so long,” Moraes, who found out about the charge yesterday, said.
“Joe was really trying to be the best father that he could in the last little while. The plans were was to take the boys for summer. He was calling, he was doing everything that he could and it was all taken away from us by one person.”
Gauthier’s son Kai said he is happy there will be justice. He has been remembering his dad by wearing Gauthier’s ashes around his neck.
“I miss my dad so much,” Kai said.
Moraes said Kai describes his dad as “the biggest softie ever.”
“All we can do is cherish those memories and try and let Joe live on through his children.”
Joe Gauthier, seen in pictures with two of his sons. Submitted.
Victoria police and VIIMCU have not confirmed that Gauthier was stabbed to death. Creagh appeared in court Monday morning and remains in custody.
Alexa Huffman
