Three people charged with first degree murder after death in Dawson Creek

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Dawson Creek police officers have charged three people in relation to an alleged homicide in the city in 2023. 

According to a press release by Dawson Creek RCMP on February 1st, officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on 17th Street and 116th Avenue on December 31st, 2023. 

On arriving at the scene, the police found a deceased man in a red Dodge Calibre, who was later identified as 37-year-old Robert Eric Douglas Girbav. 

The investigation of this incident was conducted by the BC RCMP North District major crime unit (NDMCU). 

The unit coordinated arrests in B.C. and Alberta on January 31st, 2026. 

The BC Prosecution Service has charged Tanner Allan Murray, Robert James Sinclair and Benjamin James Elliott Touchette with one count of first-degree murder each, in relation to Girbav’s alleged homicide. 

Superintendent Sanjaya Wijayakoon, with the BC RCMP major crime unit, said: “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.” 

Wijayakoon shared this investigation was complex and the charge approval reflected teamwork between Dawson Creek RCMP, the combined forces special enforcement unit (CFSEU), the major crime interview team and forensic identification services. 

He said: “We want to assure our community that we remain committed and dedicated to advancing our investigations into incidents that are impacting the Peace region.”

The release said the three men were already in custody for unrelated matters and investigators allege the accused and the victim knew each other.