Independent investigation begins into RCMP response to B.C. teen’s death

LANGLEY, B.C. — The office that looks into all cases of police-involved deaths or serious injuries in British Columbia says it is examining what role two Langley RCMP officers may have played in the death of a 14-year-old boy.

Carson Crimeni died Aug. 7 in Langley after an apparent overdose from drugs his family believes were supplied by others who intended to video the teen and post the pictures to social media.

A statement from the Independent Investigations Office says RCMP report they were contacted at about 8 p.m. on the night Crimeni died by someone who had seen a Snapchat photo of him and was concerned about his welfare.

Two RCMP members went to an area around a skateboard park, secondary school and athletic park in Langley’s Walnut Grove neighbourhood, but the investigations office says the two left when they found no sign of Crimeni.

Crimeni was found later that night in an area near the skateboard park and was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead.

The investigations office wants to speak to anyone who may have heard or seen the officers in the area that night.

It says that due to circumstances surrounding the integrity of the RCMP investigation, it is only now able to provide details.

RCMP have set up a 24-hour tip line seeking anyone who may have seen Crimeni in the hours before he died, as well as anyone who might have seen him with any other groups of people.

Cpl. Holly Largy of Langley RCMP has said the detachment is investigating the death and had taken almost 40 statements by last week. She could not say if the case had reached the point of a criminal investigation.

She expected it will take a “long time” to compile all the details.

An obituary published by Crimeni’s family on Wednesday described the teen as a “fun-loving jokester,” who had “dreams of becoming a veterinarian or chef.”

A celebration of life is to be held next Thursday in Langley.

The Canadian Press