RCMP conclude Dawson Creek death investigation

Nearly two years after the death of a Dawson Creek man was investigated as a homicide, RCMP have concluded the case, saying their investigation found no evidence of foul play and that no criminal offence occurred.

Police were called to a home in the 600 block of 106 Avenue on Nov. 16, 2023, after receiving a report of a sudden death around 3 p.m. Officers arrived to find 37-year-old Byron Horne deceased inside the residence.

Because of what investigators found during the early stages of the investigation, the death was initially treated as a homicide and responsibility for the case was turned over to the North District Major Crime Unit, which spent the past two years following up on the evidence and examining every avenue available.

"Investigators remained committed to conducting a comprehensive and objective investigation to determine exactly what occurred," said Cpl. Brett Urano, BC RCMP spokesperson. "The investigation involved the careful assessment of all available evidence and investigative avenues. As a result, investigators determined that Mr. Horne's death was not a homicide and that no criminal offence had occurred."

RCMP say the investigation ultimately determined Mr. Horne's injuries were self-inflicted and that no criminality was involved, bringing the homicide investigation to a close.