Kamloops, Canada – A 25-year-old man has admitted his role in a violent incident that occurred last year at a homeless shelter in Kamloops, leaving one man stabbed in the neck. Tyson Ian Bormke entered a guilty plea to the charge of assault causing bodily harm in a provincial court on Monday, in connection to an attack at Merit Place shelter.
The early morning assault on February 25, 2024, involved Bormke and four other men, culminating in a disturbing episode of violence that was captured entirely on the shelter’s surveillance system. The attack, which unfolded around 2:30 a.m., began when two individuals started pursuing the victim. Shortly thereafter, Bormke joined in and was visibly active in the assault, according to prosecutors.
Crown prosecutor Ben Martin detailed to the court how the victim was forcefully knocked down by Bormke, only to be encircled and savagely attacked by the group. During the course of the assault, one attacker stabbed the victim in the neck, while Bormke was seen kicking the victim in the head before stepping back from the immediate fray.
The admission of guilt from Bormke is the latest development in a case that has seen varying degrees of judicial processing for those involved. John Ryder Larsen and Branden Michael Allenback, two of the co-accused, have also pleaded guilty to similar charges of assault causing bodily harm. Larsen received a nine-month jail term, and Allenback was sentenced to five months behind bars.
Meanwhile, two other men connected to the incident, Zachary Chase Pittman and Tristan Alan Olson, are still facing charges and awaiting further legal proceedings.
The Merit Place shelter, where this violence occurred, is housed within what used to be a terminal for Greyhound buses on Notre Dame Drive. This location often serves as a refuge for the city’s homeless population, making the attack not only a criminal matter but also a significant community safety concern.
The case, still active due to pending charges against some involved, continues to unfold. Legal representatives are slated to reconvene in court on April 7, where a sentencing date for Bormke will be determined. As this legal drama continues, the local community and advocates for the homeless are attentively watching, hoping for justice and increased security measures at the shelter. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced in protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring that those who perpetrate violence are held accountable.