Three Arrested in Relation to 2023 Dawson Creek Murder Charge

Three individuals have been charged in relation to a Dawson Creek murder that took place just over two years ago.

Photo of victim 37-year-old Robert Eric Douglas Girbav from the RCMP media release.

RCMP responded to 17th Street and 116th Avenue in Dawson Creek on December 31, 2023, after receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon their arrival, police located a man inside of a red Dodge Calibre. The man, who was later identified as 37-year-old Robert Eric Douglas Girbav, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We acknowledge that the loss of Mr. Girbav was felt widely and contributed to ongoing community concerns regarding crime and violence in the Dawson Creek Area,” said Supt. Sanjaya Wijayakoon, with the BC RCMP Major Crime Unit. 

The BC RCMP North District Major Crime Unit (I NDMCU) took over the investigation and worked on the file into 2024 and 2025.

Investigators NDMCU arrested three individuals in connection with Girbav’s death on January 31, 2026. Arrests were made in both British Columbia and Alberta. One count of first-degree murder has been approved by the BC Prosecution Service against Tanner Allan Murray, 31; Robert James Sinclair, 34; and Benjamin James Elliott Touchette, 36.

“This has been a complex investigation led by NDMCU and charge approval reflects the collective work of many teams, including Dawson Creek RCMP, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), the Major Crime Interview Team, and Forensic Identification Services,” he added. “We want to assure our community that we remain committed and dedicated to advancing our investigations into incidents that are impacting the Peace Region.”

Police say that all three arrests were conducted without incident, as all three men were already in custody on other charges. Investigators also say they believe the accused were acquainted with the victim.

The investigation into this incident continues.