Nearly seven years after Terrace's Cameron Kerr was killed in a hit and run on Hwy 16, two men have been charged with related offences.
Taylor Stogryn, 36, and Conrad Wierzbicki, 34, both of Surrey, BC have been charged with indignity to human remains and obstructing justice. Stogryn has also been charged with failure to stop at the scene of an accident.
This was a very complex investigation and I am proud of the work of our skilled investigators to bring us to this important point,
said Inspector Mike Kim of BC RCMP Major Crime. I want to acknowledge and thank Cameron’s family, and the community, for their patience as we took the necessary time to gather the evidence and advance our investigation. The case will now be before the courts.
Kerr's family was relieved by the news.
"It has been extremely emotional since we found out, but there is a strong mix of relief, gratitude for the work of the RCMP and the continuous support of the community, and hope that we are on the path to closure," said Garrett Kerr, Cameron's brother.
Garrett hopes that this development gives everyone whose lives Cameron touched some sense of closure as well.
"I miss having someone who shared my childhood with me, to talk to about memories from the 30 years we shared together," he said. "But really, I miss most the opportunity to see him continue to grow as an incredible young man. I miss watching him be an uncle to my children that will never get to meet him. To see him start a family of his own. To see him live the life that he embraced with such passion. That and his truly magnificent sense of humour.
On November 18, 2018, at approximately 3 a.m., Cameron Kerr was walking home along Highway 16 when he was struck by a westbound vehicle just west of Terrace.
His body was allegedly rolled into the ditch where he would remain until he was discovered later that day by a passerby.
BC Highway Patrol initially took on the investigation and identified suspects from evidence left at the scene and tips from the public. Arrests were made, but no charges were laid.
The investigation was later transferred to the BC RCMP Major Crime Special Projects Unit.
Both men are expected to appear in court in the near future.
Kerr, a former member of the Terrace River Kings has been since honoured with a mural at the arena and the Central Interior Hockey League named its championship trophy after him. His brother Garrett plays for the team.
The River Kings are currently in the championship finals, leading 1-0 against the Quesnel Kangaroos in a best of three series. If they win the next game on Saturday, Mar. 15, the Cameron Kerr Memorial trophy is theirs.
"It is an incredible honour that the CIHL named their playoff trophy after Cameron," said Garrett. "I am truly honoured to get to play for the trophy again this year. The opportunity to battle for it on home ice, in front of the people of Terrace, in light of the recent developments, is hard to imagine."
