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By David Wiwchar

Priddle guilty of Tofino murder

Apr 9, 2025 | 11:52 AM

Luke Priddle was found guilty on all charges last night.

After 5 hours of debate, the 12-member jury found him guilty of second degree murder, robbery and auto theft.

The 27-year old Priddle met 47-year old Mathew Phillips through the dating app Grindr, and they met at the older man’s Chesterman Beach apartment on December 27th, 2020.

The jury agreed with Crown prosecutors that after having sex and consuming a significant amount of cocaine, Priddle tried to leave without paying for the drugs, and when Phillips tried to stop him, Priddle attacked him with a knife, slicing his carotid artery and jugular vein, and stabbing him a further 75 times.

Priddle then stole a box containing cocaine and cash, and took off in his victim’s SUV.

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Priddle was taken into custody and will return for a sentencing hearing in May.