Murder charge laid after victim of Saanich, B.C., assault dies

A Saanich Police vehicle is seen in Saanich, B.C., on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Police in Saanich, B.C., say a 30-year-old man has been charged with murder after the victim of an assault last week succumbed to their injuries.

Court records show 30-year-old Suleyman Budak was initially charged with aggravated assault following the July 3 incident in the 4000 block of Quadra Street near the intersection with McKenzie Avenue.

In a brief statement announcing the victim’s death Wednesday, the Saanich Police Department said detectives with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit had taken conduct of the case.

Investigators said the assault occurred just before 5 p.m. and the victim was transported to hospital in critical condition.

A suspect was arrested at the scene and police say the suspect and victim were known to one another.

Budak remains in police custody with a first appearance in court on the murder charge scheduled for Wednesday.