Port Alberni RCMP has recommended a charge of murder against a Port Alberni man after a fatal altercation last week.
Wilson James Robert, 47, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of roommate Darrel Andow, 50.
Police responded to a call from paramedics at a Third Avenue apartment on the morning of March 31, RCMP Staff Sgt. Kevin Murray said.
There, they found Andow suffering from injuries that happened two days before.
“Robert assaulted Andow after a dispute about the condition of their residence,” Murray said.
The assault left Andow with a punctured lung, a broken jaw, broken ribs, and a broken nose.
Andow was admitted to West Coast General Hospital but his condition worsened and he was transported to Nanaimo Regional Hospital where he subsequently died of his injuries on Friday night.
Robert was initially charged with assault but the charge was stayed by the Crown, Murray said.
After Friday, police recommended Robert be charged with second degree murder and arrested him on Saturday.
A search warrant was executed at two different residences including the crime scene, and evidence was gathered relating to the case, Murray said.
And an autopsy on Andow has been scheduled as well.
Robert is currently being held in police custody in Port Alberni and is scheduled to appear in Port Alberni provincial court later this week.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com