Daily Digest — British Columbia (2026-02-03)

A troubling court story: A Maple Ridge man, 48-year-old Mylie Barron, has pleaded guilty to interfering with the remains of his 43-year-old girlfriend, Jessica Cunningham, and a sentencing hearing is underway with a decision reserved until March 5, 2026. Crown is asking for two years in jail plus three years’ probation while the defence wants a two-year conditional sentence in the community and one year probation; police say Cunningham was last seen in June 2025 and her body was confirmed in a freezer on Sept. 1, 2025.

Heartbreaking loss for the hockey community: Three junior players died in a crash with a semi-truck in Alberta on Monday morning — JJ Wright (18) and Cameron Casorso (18), both from Kamloops, B.C., and 17-year-old Caden Fine (hometown listed as Birmingham, Ala.). They were travelling to practice with a Stavely, Alta. team and all three died at the scene; communities are holding fundraisers and a benefit game Sunday at 6 p.m. MST at Stavely Arena.

Political pressure over extortion and refugee claims: B.C. Premier David Eby called it “ludicrous” that people arrested in Surrey extortion cases have claimed refugee status and urged federal law fixes (Bill C-12 is meant to close the gap). He also raised concerns about inconsistent communications between Surrey police and the RCMP extortion task force and said meetings are planned this week to coordinate response as residents say they’re afraid to leave home.

Keeping the Whitecaps in Vancouver: The provincial government says it will return all game profits from BC Place to Vancouver Whitecaps (about $1.5 million) and try to boost food, beverage and advertising revenues to help the club stay. Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster thanked officials but warned the team still faces a big revenue gap despite a city MOU to negotiate a new stadium site through 2026; BC Place’s World Cup schedule will also force a long road stretch early in the season.

Teen stabbed after high school basketball game: An 18-year-old was seriously hurt after a fight broke out following a Monday night game between Eric Hamber and Killarney secondaries in Vancouver; the youth was stabbed in the arm and rushed to hospital. Police asked anyone with cellphone video to submit it online and said extra school liaison officers are being sent to both schools.

Vancouver doctor charged over alleged teen assaults: Dr. Herman Hau Man Lee, 65, has been charged with multiple counts including sexual assault and sexual interference tied to alleged incidents from 2015 and between 2018–2022; the probe began in March 2023. Lee is on bail and barred from treating anyone under 16 alone; police urged anyone with information to contact the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-0602.