June 22, 2016 - 5:32 AM
KAMLOOPS, B.C. - A 39-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder and a 19-year-old is fighting for life following a severe beating in Kamloops, B.C.
RCMP in the southern Interior city confirm Kristopher Teichrieb has been charged with the attempted murder of Jessie Simpson.
Investigators are appealing for witnesses to the attack that occurred at about 5 a.m., on June 19, after Simpson was spotted in the driveway of Teichrieb's home.
Neighbours report there had been several break-ins around the area in the days before the assault, but Cpl. Jodie Shelkie says neither the teenaged victim nor Teichrieb have criminal records or are known to police.
An online fundraising campaign has been set up to help Simpson's family and a message posted on the site by a man identifying himself as the youth's uncle, says Simpson is on life support.
Teichrieb's next court appearance is set for Thursday morning in Kamloops, and police say charges could be upgraded if Simpson dies.
"If the victim doesn't make it, our major crimes unit will be speaking with Crown Counsel to see if the charges will be upgraded from attempted murder to murder," says Shelkie.
The investigation is continuing and Shelkie says officers want to talk to anyone who was with Simpson on Saturday evening or in the early hours of Sunday morning. (CFJC)
News from © The Canadian Press, 2016