Monday would have been Russ Armfelt’s 54th birthday.
Friend Linda Hayes lit candles in her apartment and read from her Bible seeking strength and answers as to why her friend died following an altercation outside the Rose and Crown Pub in Tsawwassen last December.
Hayes said rumours persist in the community on what may have happened, and who might have been involved.
“I want justice for losing my friend. He was a good human being. He supported people, he encouraged people, so to lose someone like that so violently is just wrong,” she said. “No matter how he died, he deserves justice. I don’t distrust the police, I have a lot of friends that are police, but we just don’t feel confident.”
On Sunday, Hayes and other friends and acquaintances held a rally near the pub to bring awareness to Armfelt’s death. Between 15 and 20 people attended the rally that was about respect and support, said Hayes.
Jeremy Berry, who was roommates with Armfelt for the past two years, said the rally was not about bashing the police, but rather an effort to keep his death in the public eye.
“Lots of people have said things to me about whether the police are doing their job and I can’t really say, I’m not a cop and I don’t know how they investigate, but at the same time I don’t want to bash the police. What does that accomplish?
“We just want people to know we care and we’re there to support. We want to see something done.”
Delta police were called to the rear of the pub in the early morning hours of Dec. 11, 2016. The initial police investigation indicated there was an altercation between a small group of males and Armfelt. Those involved had fled the scene by the time officers arrived.
Armfelt was found unconscious and unresponsive. Efforts by paramedics failed to resuscitate him and he died in hospital.
DPD public affairs coordinator Sharlene Brooks said investigations of this nature are complex.
“Our investigators are in communication with the family and provide updates,” said Brooks. “Delta police continues their investigation and is liaising with Crown counsel. As far as any final decision being made on any charges, that hasn’t been determined. Cause of death is under review and I think that’s where we are consulting with Crown.”
