The family of Justin Brooks, the 21-year-old whose body was pulled from Prince Rupert Harbour on March 4, say they have lost confidence in the RCMP and are now turning to residents for more information on what happened the night Justin lost his life.
RCMP say the coroner’s service determined Justin did not have any serious injuries that would have contributed to his death, and that the cause of death is drowning.
The family alleges RCMP have conducted interviews with people believed to have seen Justin the night he lost his life and RCMP told them the stories of those involved appear to match-up: A group of people assaulted Justin and left him by the old CN station, but he was alive when they left him there and nobody knows how he ended up in the harbour.
Despite the alleged assault, RCMP have told the family that foul play has been ruled out in his death.
“It doesn’t make sense that he was beaten up and left a few metres from the harbour, but ended up being found in the water… Everything the RCMP have said to us doesn’t add up at all,” said Justin’s aunt Sheri Latimer.
“They seem to have just given up on the case. We’re devastated. The whole family is choked.”
However, RCMP say the investigation is ongoing, and they really hope to get away from a number of rumours that have been circulating through town and social media related to the death.
“RCMP investigators and Prince Rupert Victim Services continue to work closely with the victim’s family and friends,” stated Const. Lesley Smith, North District media relations officer.
“Police are still trying to determine the true facts of the case from rumours that have been circulating through social media. False information or speculation can hinder an investigation and therefore concrete evidence and fact-based information is essential for police to determine whether Justin Brooks met with foul play or if this was simply a tragic accident.”
The family is now looking at hiring a private investigator, and launching a campaign for “Justice for Justin”.
“We’re still looking for information, but we’ve lost all hope in the RCMP,” said Latimer.
The investigation has been made a priority for the RCMP Forensic Unit and the general duty members in the community, Smith said.
