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Well-known homeless man identified as murder victim

A 21-year-old, also homeless, and known to police, has been charged with second-degree murder.
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Police are investigating the stabbing death of a man outside Baselines Pub in Langley City on Monday evening. A suspect was arrested in the parking lot behind the Langley Times office.

A 21-year-old man of no fixed address has been charged with second degree murder in the stabbing death of a well-known homeless man in Langley City on Monday, June 1.

David Christopher Van Den Brink was arrested by Langley RCMP after allegedly repeatedly stabbing a homeless man outside the Baselines Pub around 7 p.m. on Monday.

Numerous people have been severely traumatized by witnessing the brutal attack, said police.

After a short foot chase, Van Den Brink was arrested with blood all over his clothes in the parking lot of the Langley Times office in the 20200 block of Fraser Highway.

The victim has been identified as Wells Tony Gallagher, 37, a homeless man, known to many as 'Miles.'

Many people who live and/or work in the downtown have seen or got to know Gallagher. He has been a fixture in the City core, regularly spending time outside the Starbucks, 7-Eleven and other areas or walking around town, most often wearing black clothing and a trench coat. Many commented that he was a kind, gentle soul who never hurt anyone.

His sister, Danielle, posted on the Langley Times website that her family, especially her mom, is devastated by the news of Wells' murder.

"He was gentle and sweet and suffered from schizophrenia," said Danielle. "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."

A bouquet of flowers and notes have been left beside a candle at the crime scene outside Baselines Pub.

Many in the community are saddened and shocked at this random attack on 'Miles.'

“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.”

Van Den Brink is well known to police and is being held in jail.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation can call the IHIT tip line by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca .



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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