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May 15, 2020 - 2:59 PM
Two Kelowna men allegedly involved in the vicious beating of a homeless man two months ago had their attempted murder charges reduced this week to aggravated assault, while a third man has also been added to the case.
According to court documents, Devin Comerford, 19, and Zackary Gaubert, 21, are now charged with aggravated assault alongside Austin Pedersen, 21.
The charge was sworn May 13 and Pedersen’s up for a bail hearing today, May 15. The result of that is yet unknown. Comerford and Gaubert have already been released from police custody on strict conditions.
Little is known of the man they attacked. Members of Kelowna’s homeless community said today that he’s in his 30s, already had health complications and has been released from hospital since the attack.
RCMP said that the attack occurred after 2:45 a.m. March 2, in the 200-block of Lawrence Avenue.
“When officers arrived, they located a (man) suffering from serious injuries sustained during the alleged attack. He was transported to the hospital where he received medical treatment,” Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said in a press release.
While Gospel Mission staff were not aware of the incident, the Mission’s Sonja Menyes said that it’s not uncommon for those who rely on their services to get in the crosshairs of people leaving the bars in those hours, and keeping the street population safe at that time has long been a concern.
While Comerford and Gaubert have no prior court record, Pedersen has a number of criminal files before the courts including one allegation of assault with a weapon.
Anyone with any information about this crime can contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.
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