Investigation Underway in Rutherford Road Neighbourhood

Residents in a quiet Brampton neighbourhood were shaken late Friday night after a shooting left two individuals dead. Peel Regional Police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 10:23 p.m. in the vicinity of Rutherford Road and Weybridge Trail. Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered two victims suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of Peel paramedics, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.

Suspects at Large Following Violent Incident

The suspect or suspects involved in the shooting fled the area immediately following the incident and remain at large. Authorities have not yet released descriptions of any potential suspects or vehicles involved. A heavy police presence remained at the scene throughout the night and into Saturday morning as forensic teams and homicide investigators worked to collect evidence and speak with potential witnesses. The identity of the victims has not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin.

Community Safety and Next Steps

This incident marks a violent start to the weekend in the Greater Toronto Area, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding gun violence in suburban communities. Peel Regional Police have scheduled an official update for approximately 9:30 a.m. to provide more details on the progress of the investigation. In the meantime, officials are urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting, or those with dashcam and surveillance footage, to come forward. Public cooperation is often vital in the early stages of a double homicide investigation to establish a timeline of events and identify those responsible.

Severe Allegations Lead to Immediate Removal

In a swift move that has shaken the British Columbia political landscape, Hon Chan, the B.C. Conservative MLA for Richmond Centre, has been removed from his party’s caucus. The decision follows the announcement of serious criminal charges against Chan, including assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. The B.C. Prosecution Service confirmed that the charges were laid following an investigation into an incident that allegedly occurred on January 12, 2024, in Richmond.

Special Prosecutor Appointed in Domestic Violence Case

The legal proceedings have been designated as a “K file,” a classification used by the B.C. Prosecution Service to indicate cases involving alleged intimate partner or domestic violence. To ensure transparency and avoid any perceived conflict of interest due to Chan’s status as an elected official, special prosecutor Andi MacKay was appointed to oversee the case. While the victim’s identity remains protected, the court has scheduled Chan’s first appearance for April 22 at the Richmond provincial court.

Political Fallout and Calls for Resignation

B.C. Conservative Party Leader Trevor Halford issued a statement confirming that the party only learned of the charges recently. “Mr. Chan informed me of serious criminal charges against him yesterday,” Halford stated, emphasizing that the party had no prior knowledge of the investigation. Halford reiterated that the caucus maintains a zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence and holds public officials to the highest standards of accountability. However, the opposition has already begun to ramp up pressure. NDP MLA Grace Lore argued that caucus removal is insufficient, calling for Chan’s immediate resignation. Lore pointed out that Chan’s failure to disclose the ongoing investigation during his 2024 campaign represents a “fundamental violation of trust” with his constituents.

From Media to the Legislature

Before entering politics, Hon Chan was well-known in the Richmond community as a journalist with Fairchild Television. He made a successful transition to public office in October 2024, securing more than half the votes in Richmond Centre to defeat NDP incumbent Henry Yao. Until his removal, Chan served as the Conservative critic for climate solutions and climate readiness. As the legal process unfolds, the future of his seat in the legislature remains uncertain, marking a significant hurdle for the B.C. Conservative Party’s image.

Criminal Charges and Immediate Caucus Removal

Hon Chan, the B.C. Conservative MLA representing Richmond Centre, has been removed from his party’s caucus following the announcement of several serious criminal charges. The B.C. Prosecution Service confirmed on Wednesday that Chan is facing charges of assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. These allegations have been classified as a ‘K file,’ a designation used by the justice system to indicate cases involving alleged intimate partner or domestic violence.

Details of the Investigation

The alleged offenses took place on January 12, 2024, in Richmond, several months before Chan was elected to the provincial legislature. To ensure impartiality given Chan’s status as an elected official, special prosecutor Andi MacKay was appointed to the case in late June 2025. This appointment follows an investigation conducted by the Richmond RCMP. Chan is currently scheduled to make his first appearance in Richmond provincial court on April 22.

Political Accountability and Party Reaction

B.C. Conservative Party Leader Trevor Halford addressed the situation in a formal statement, noting that the caucus took immediate action once the charges were brought to light. According to Halford, Chan informed the party of the legal matters only a day prior to his removal. ‘Prior to yesterday, the caucus and party had no knowledge of this matter or any related incidents,’ Halford said. He emphasized that the party takes allegations of domestic violence with the utmost seriousness, stating that those in public trust must be held to the highest standards of accountability.

Calls for Resignation

The fallout has sparked intense criticism from political opponents. Grace Lore, the NDP MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill, argued that removal from the caucus is insufficient. Lore has called for Chan’s immediate resignation from the legislature, citing a ‘fundamental violation of trust.’ She highlighted that Chan’s failure to disclose the investigation earlier represents a breach of duty to his constituents and all British Columbians. Before entering politics, Chan was a well-known journalist with Fairchild Television and most recently served as the Conservative critic for climate solutions.