Manslaughter charge laid in fatal Abbotsford stabbing

Stabbing victim Harvey James Lee-Bernick is seen in this image handed out by homicide investigators.

A man has been charged with manslaughter after a fatal stabbing in Abbotsford, B.C., late last year.

Police were initially called to a home in the 33900 block of McCrimmon Drive just after 11 a.m. on Dec. 14, 2025.

They found 41-year-old Harvey James Lee-Bernick suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital but later died.

In a statement shared by police Monday, his family said they remain hopeful justice will be served.

“He is deeply missed and was loved by so many people whose lives he touched. His death has had an immense impact on our family, leaving a loss from which we will never fully recover,” it reads.

One man was arrested at the scene but released pending further investigation. Police say the stabbing was a “targeted and isolated” incident involving people who knew one another.

On Monday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced a charge of manslaughter was laid against 36-year-old Jesse Chamberlain-Lohr, an Abbotsford resident.

“IHIT investigators worked tirelessly to determine the exact role and involvement of a number of individuals who were identified at the outset,” spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong said, in a news release. “The laying of a charge is a significant step, and our thoughts are with Mr. Bernick’s loved ones as the court proceedings begin.”

The accused remains in custody and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 15.