Vancouver woman charged with manslaughter after series of druggings

A 30-year-old Vancouver woman has been charged with manslaughter and several other offences in connection with a series of druggings.

Surrey Mounties say Jessica Nicole Renee Kane was arrested on Sept. 20 after police claim she deliberately gave several of her escort clients a “stupefying drug” before robbing them.

In one of the incidents, Surrey RCMP says a man died in February of last year after being given the drug.

Investigators say there were reports in Burnaby, Langley, Vancouver, and Surrey. However, Surrey RCMP Cpl. Vanessa Munn believes there could be more potential victims.

“We are asking that anyone who may have any additional information to reach out to police,” she told CityNews Thursday. “We are aware that there are likely people who have information that are reluctant to contact police, given the nature of the investigation.”

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Munn says investigators were tipped off to what was happening in the community some time ago.

“Our community response unit noticed that there was a trend and that there had been numerous incidents where a person had hired an escort service and been basically drugged and had their belongings taken,” she explained. “It’s not something that we usually see, and through additional investigative steps, they were able to link some of those, which then turned into a larger, more complex investigation that was taken over by our serious crime unit.”

As the case is now before the courts, Munn says she is unable to provide specific details about each of the 21 charges the suspect faces. However, the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be laid.

“Charges have been laid in relation to incidents in each of [the] jurisdictions. Given the nature of the investigation in general, as well as the fact that it spanned multiple jurisdictions, [makes] it complex in nature.”

Munn says Mounties have previously warned people who may use escort services to take additional precautions.

“Ensure that you’re not intoxicated, that you are able to care of yourself and look out for your own well-being. Do not consume anything, whether it be food, alcohol, or drugs provided to you by another person,” Munn said.

“Also, it’s important that someone does know where you are, and maybe have some kind of a buddy system so that you check in, [and] they know what time you’re supposed to check in by. And if you don’t check in by that time that they can send someone to check on you.”

Munn suggests not eating or drinking anything while using an escort service, as drugs or other substances can be “slipped in”.

“If you’re given a bottle of water, if it’s already been opened, don’t drink it, don’t take anything given to you by another person. You just don’t know what’s in it. You don’t know that person. And it’s just important to take those extra precautions.”

Kane has been remanded in custody until her next court appearance.

-With files from Sonia Aslam