John Boyce reported being assaulted to visitors of the Craig St. market on July 18 and was later located by RCMP. He died the following Saturday after receiving treatment in hospital. (submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

evidence needed

Oceanside RCMP investigate alleged assault and subsequent death of Parksville man

Jul 27, 2023 | 8:56 AM

PARKSVILLE — Local Mounties are trying to retrace the steps of a man who was allegedly assaulted, and later died.

John Boyce attended the Summer by the Sea market on Craig St. at around 6:45 p.m. on July 18, telling those around him he’d been assaulted. Boyce, who was believed to be unhoused, left before either Oceanside RCMP or paramedics arrived.

Sgt. Shane Worth told NanaimoNewsNOW Boyce was then located by officers roughly an hour later creating a disturbance in the nearby Memorial Plaza. He was arrested and placed in cells but was then taken for medical treatment in hospital the following morning.

Worth said Boyce then in hospital died the morning of Saturday, July 22 and an autopsy will determine the cause of death.

“Our investigators have been on the ground over the last week talking to people on the street. We have been soliciting video surveillance in the area for the days leading up to the report that Mr. Boyce had been assaulted to determine if there is any video evidence of an assault.”

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Boyce’s injuries and subsequent death automatically triggered an investigation by the Independent Investigations Office of B.C., which looks at any serious injury or death of any person who has been in contact with RCMP.

Investigations are opened regardless of whether there is an allegation of wrongdoing by Mounties.

Worth said they don’t have a lot of information on Boyce’s whereabouts prior to the assault he alleged on July 18.

“We’re trying to establish those timelines with the assistance of the public. Anybody who does have any information, please contact us. Any little piece can be very helpful in determining his movements in the days before.”

Boyce was known to frequent the downtown core of Parksville.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oceanside RCMP at 250 248 6111, quoting file number 2023-7438.

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