83-year old faces murder charges in Chilliwack double homicide

Two people were killed in a shooting at a Chilliwack home on Sept. 13, 2023.
Two people were killed in a shooting at a Chilliwack home on Sept. 13, 2023. (CityNews image)

By Charlie Carey

Posted September 15, 2023 9:20 am.

The Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says an 83-year-old man has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder after two people were killed in a shooting Wednesday night.

IHIT says Robert Freeman, from Chilliwack, now faces the charges in relation to the deaths of 58-year-old John Kavaloff and 67-year-old Valerie Smith — both also from Chilliwack.

“This appears to be an isolated incident between neighbours,” IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti said Friday. “We’re asking anyone with information regarding this incident, to please contact IHIT immediately.”

Police responded to reports of shots fired along Chilliwack Lake Road, near Vedder Mountain Road, around 7:45 p.m.

“Upon arrival, members identified two individuals inside a residence deceased. A suspect was identified at the scene and taken into custody,” Pierotti told CityNews Thursday.

Freeman remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance on Sept. 25 in Chilliwack.

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