A Kamloops man who was critically injured in a violent assault late last month has died of his injuries, prompting a murder charge against the suspect.

Kamloops RCMP confirmed today that 39-year-old Jason Pinette succumbed to his injuries following an attack that occurred in the early morning hours of September 27, 2025.

At approximately 5:08 a.m. that day, officers were called to the 700-block of Notre Dame Drive for a report of an injured man. When police arrived, they found Pinette suffering from serious injuries. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition.

After an intensive investigation involving multiple RCMP units — including frontline officers, the Forensic Identification Services, General Investigation Services, and the Serious Crime Unit — a suspect was located and taken into custody.

On October 8, 2025, 33-year-old Justin Hopkin-Jones was formally charged with second-degree murder. He remains in custody as the case moves through the courts.

“This investigation was well supported from the initial call,” said Superintendent Jeff Pelley, Officer in Charge of the Kamloops RCMP Detachment. “Our team has worked diligently over the course of this investigation to gather evidence and follow up on investigative material.”

While RCMP are not releasing further details as the matter is now before the courts, Superintendent Pelley acknowledged the coordinated effort involved and extended condolences to Pinette’s loved ones.

“The Kamloops RCMP Detachment offers our condolences to the family and friends of Jason,” Pelley said.

The Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops Branch also issued a statement, confirming that Pinette was a client of Merit Place Shelter, the location near where the assault occurred.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that the client who was assaulted outside Merit Place Shelter has passed away,” the organization said in a written statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family, friends, and all who are affected by this tragic loss.”

CMHA Kamloops emphasized that the incident was isolated and said the shelter continues to operate as a safe and supported space for clients. Additional support services have been offered to both staff and shelter residents in the wake of the tragedy.

The organization is cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation but is not granting interviews at this time.

The investigation remains active, with no further details expected to be released while the matter proceeds through the court system.