UPDATE: Death of man found near Nanaimo Parkway deemed a homicide

(Update: April 14, 2021): The discovery of a body at approximately 6:45 pm on March 31 is now being called a homicide.

Police said that the deceased has been identified as 58-year-old Randell Charles Thomas of Nanaimo.

Thomas was discovered in some bushes off a dirt walking trail, in the vicinity of Tamara Drive.

Investigators with the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit believe that Thomas was involved in an altercation which ultimately lead to his death.

"At this time, it is unknown if there was more than one individual involved in the altercation," said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

At the time of his death Thomas was wearing dark clothing. Of note, he had on a black hoodie with a white logo on the front.

Police have determined that Thomas did not reside in the immediate area and it is unknown if he walked through the neighbourhood prior to his death.

In the days to come, investigators will be canvassing the area to speak with residents.

Investigators are focusing on the time period between 2:45 pm and 4:45 pm on March 31 and are hoping to speak with anyone who was in the area during that time period. Investigators are also asking motorists to check their dash cam video for that time period.

If you have any information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2021-11524.

(Original story: April 13, 2021):

Police are looking into the suspicious death of a 58-year-old Nanaimo man.

According to the RCMP, the body of a man was found at 6:45 pm on March 31, 2021, in the bushes adjacent to the Nanaimo Parkway.

Police, Fire and EHS responded. Despite emergency first aid efforts, the man could not be resuscitated and was later pronounced deceased.

The family of the 58-year-old Nanaimo man have been notified.

“The deceased did sustain several injuries which investigators are attempting to understand how and when they may have occurred. As a result, the investigation is continuing,” said Cst. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Investigators are asking anyone who was driving on the Nanaimo Parkway or Tamara Drive, between 4 pm to 6:45 pm on Wednesday March 31, 2021, and has dash cam or cell phone video, to please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2021-11524.

The BC Coroners Service is conducting an independent investigation to determine the facts surrounding the death.

The Nanaimo RCMP also wishes to advise the public that police officers with the Vancouver Island Tactical Team will be in the area of where the deceased was found today.

The officers will be conducting a ground search of the immediate area in relation to the investigation.