Chilliwack homicide victim identified as 48-year-old Kristopher Benson
Killed in what IHIT calls a targeted shooting, Benson was well-known to police with criminal record going back two decades in Eastern Fraser Valley
The Lower Mainland Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) identified the victim in Sunday's (Feb. 15, 2026) homicide inside a residence on Mellard Avenue as 48-year-old Kristopher Benson.
Victims of homicides are usually only identified after family members are notified and sometimes not even then. Other times, IHIT releases the name in an effort to advance the investigation, get tips, find witnesses, evidence and CCTV or dashcam footage.
"IHIT continues to work in close partnership with the Chilliwack RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service," according to a statement Monday.
"While the motivation behind the shooting is still under investigation, preliminary information indicates that this was a targeted and isolated incident."
The second victim remains in hospital in stable condition, and has not yet been named.
“Investigators are expected to be in the area for some time as they continue to process the crime scene and canvass for video evidence,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “Anyone with information who has yet to speak with IHIT is urged to contact us right away.”
IHIT is seeking witnesses, CCTV and anyone with dash cameras who was in the area of the 46000 block of Mellard Avenue, Chilliwack on Feb. 15, 2026, between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Anyone with information is urged to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
The location of the shooting is Mellard Avenue just a block and a half from Central Elementary School to the west and two blocks from Chilliwack Secondary School to the east. Officers appeared to be focused on either 46071 or 46057 Mellard as the IHIT's large investigative unit parked at the driveway of 46071. Police tape blocked off the entire block of Mellard between Fletcher Avenue and Victor Street for the entire day.
The Lower Mainland's Integrated Homicide Team (IHIT) on the scene of the first homicide of 2026 in Chilliwack at a residence on Mellard Avenue downtown. (Paul Henderson/ photo)
-30-
Want to support independent journalism?
Consider becoming a paid subscriber or make a one-time donation so I can continue this work.
Paul J. Henderson
pauljhenderson@gmail.com
facebook.com/PaulJHendersonJournalist
instagram.com/wordsarehard_pjh
x.com/PeeJayAitch
wordsarehard-pjh.bsky.social