Condolences and a memorial are growing for Wells ‘Miles’ Gallagher, the homeless man stabbed to death outside Baselines Pub on Monday evening (June 1).
Known to many in downtown Langley as ‘Miles’, the 37-year-old had been a fixture in the City for years, seen outside the 7-Eleven, or sitting outside the Starbucks or Save-On Foods on Fraser Highway.
A memorial of flowers, candles and cards is growing at the crime scene.
His sister Danielle Hagen said her family, especially her mom, is devastated by the news of Wells’ murder.
“He was gentle and sweet and suffered from severe schizophrenia,” said Hagen.
“We have tried for years to get him help and we’re never able to get him off the street and on his medications. Our system is broken. He truly was a tender and sweet individual.
“He would never hurt another living being, even though he himself suffered every day.
“An innocent and gentle person came to a terrible end.”
David Christopher Van Den Brink, of no fixed address, has been charged with second degree murder in Gallagher’s death.
Van Den Brink, 21, is known to police and remains in custody.
Numerous people have been severely traumatized by witnessing the brutal attack on Gallagher, said police.
It was around 7 p.m., Langley RCMP started getting frantic calls from citizens witnessing the suspect actively stabbing the victim.
Officers arrived and chased the suspect. He was apprehended a few blocks away behind The Langley Times office. Blood covered his clothing.
A very large amount of blood was visible on the sidewalk outside the Langley Hotel and Baselines Pub, in the 20300 block of Fraser Highway. CPR was initiated on Gallagher, and he was transported to hospital in grave condition. He later died.
Many people who live and/or work in the downtown have seen or gotten to know Gallagher through the years. Many commented he was a kind, quiet man who has never hurt anyone. Others said they have offered a coffee, sandwich, pocket change or just a hello to him over the years.
One woman commented that she was sorry the system had failed Miles.
Bouquets of flowers, balloons, notes, candles and a pack of cigarettes have been left beside a bike at the crime scene outside Baselines Pub.
Many in the community are saddened and shocked at this random attack on ‘Miles.’
Hagen recently went to check in on her brother at the 7-Eleven. While there, a stranger gave Wells a sandwich and juice.
“Many in the community were concerned for Wells, making sure he was eating,” she said.
“That’s Langley for you. This was his community and even though maybe he didn’t always communicate, many have shared that he had a great sense of humour and was very sweet.”
Gallagher had no criminal background.
Hagen said her mother is a foster parent who took in Wells at the age of four. He became part of the family and lived with them until he was 19, when he wanted to move out on his own.
His parents set him up in the apartments above the then-Horse and Rider Pub in Brookswood (the building has since been torn down), but he didn’t stay too long.
“He had serious schizophrenia. My parents did everything they could. They took him to the hospital and tried to get him help but there are no supports out there. He would be admitted into a mental health facility and get back on medication, start to feel good and check himself out.”
This happened many times, she said.
“I don’t have all the answers but I know the system as it is now is broken when we let people go out on their own when they are so incapacitated — they end up becoming victims themselves or victimize someone else which has happened here with my brother and the man arrested.
“The only thing I can hope is he has a measure of peace now.”
Mandy Hamel, on behalf of #LangleyMoms wrote, “I, for one, would hand him change or purchase a coffee or some food for him. Others would reach out to him in other ways, but in all, we felt helpless and did what we could. He was quiet and kind. Someone who would not have hurt a soul. His schizophrenia was apparent and as time went on, many noticed changes in him. I will miss the man outside of Starbucks who would sit quietly, rocking and whispering to himself.”
Hagen said they are hoping to bury him in the Fort Langley cemetery where they have family plots.
She is organizing a memorial service for people who want to say goodbye. Hagen has also set up a Facebook page for anyone who wants to say something or share a memory about Wells. The Facebook page is under "Remembering Wells Miles Gallagher'
“Multiple witnesses came forward to provide information to police. This community support, coupled with the partnership between IHIT and Langley RCMP, is responsible for investigators obtaining charge approval quickly,” said IHIT Sgt. Stephanie Ashton.
On May 29, two days before the murder, Van Den Brink was arrested by Langley RCMP for breaching five of his probation orders. He was released that same day. He hadn’t been out of jail long. In March, he had been sentenced to 44 days in jail and one year probation for assault with a weapon for a crime in Langley in December 2014.
On April 20, he was charged with assault, uttering threats, theft and breaching probation. A trial is set for September for those charges.
Van Den Brink makes his next court appearance on June 17.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation can call the IHIT tipline by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Submitted photos
The family of Wells 'Miles' Gallagher is devastated by his murder. Gallagher grew up in Langley before leaving home at 19 and eventually winding up on the streets.
