Three Charged With Second-Degree Murder in Killing of Kristopher Benson

Kristopher Benson, 48, was found dead inside a Mellard Avenue residence after a shooting that prompted the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team to seek second-degree murder charges against three men: Jason Himpfen, 50; Zoltan Losier, 34; and Christopher Meischl, 40. The BC Prosecution Service approved one count of second-degree murder against each man, and IHIT says each also faces one count of attempted murder related to a second victim.

Chilliwack RCMP initially responded to a report of a shooting at about 8:40 a.m. on Feb. 15 and, on arrival, located two men inside the home suffering gunshot wounds. IHIT said life-saving measures were attempted for one man who was found deceased at the scene; the other man was transported to hospital after being located at the Mellard Avenue residence.

Accounts differ on the hospitalized victim’s condition. IHIT’s initial release described the second man as transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries, while police later described that man as remaining in stable condition. IHIT and Chilliwack RCMP have not released the second victim’s name or the hospital where he was taken.

IHIT described a multi-day operation to arrest suspects: officers, with assistance from the regional Emergency Response Team, arrested one suspect in Chilliwack and a second at a residence in Abbotsford on Feb. 18, and a third man was arrested at a Chilliwack residence on Feb. 19. IHIT has not tied specific arrest dates or locations to the individual names released with the charges.

Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT offered a rare look at the pace of the probe, saying, “This was a fast-paced investigation and some sleepless nights for our investigators. The team worked tirelessly to follow up on the evidence as the case unfolded, which led to the prompt laying of charges.” Sgt. Fong also said, “The three accused have been on the police radar for some time, in particular Mr. Himpfen who ... has a long criminal record,” and she could not say whether police have linked the shooting to organized crime, but noted it is not the first time the accused have had contact with police.

IHIT said it conducted the investigation in partnership with Chilliwack RCMP, Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service. The BC Prosecution Service’s approval of second-degree murder charges moves the case into the criminal court process, but no court appearance dates, bail conditions or further legal scheduling have been released. IHIT said the investigation remains active as authorities continue to work with forensic and coroner partners.