TERRACE / PRINCE RUPERT — The Skeena region’s justice and investigative sectors are managing an unprecedented volume of high-stakes files this week, following a 48-hour window defined by a suspicious death in Thornhill and intensified scrutiny on police use-of-force in Prince Rupert.
Major Crime Assumes Conduct of Bangay Death Investigation
The search for 56-year-old John Bangay, who was first reported missing on February 22, 2026, reached a somber conclusion this week. Following the discovery of Bangay’s body, the BC RCMP Major Crime Section has officially assumed conduct of the file, reflecting the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Forensic investigators maintained a high-visibility presence at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Empire Street in lower Thornhill throughout March 3 and 4. The residence at 3721 Pine Street and an adjacent green space remained cordoned off for over 36 hours as teams conducted what was described as an “archaeological” examination of the scene.
“Wanted Wednesday” Hunt for Jesse Dalton Keeler
Simultaneously, the Terrace RCMP utilized their “Wanted Wednesday” initiative on March 4 to solicit public help in locating Jesse Dalton Keeler, 28. Keeler is currently the subject of three unendorsed warrants for serious offenses:
- Sexual Assault
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Breach of a Release Order (3 counts)
Keeler is described as a high-stature individual, standing 6’5″ (196 cm) and weighing 201 lbs (91 kg). Local detachments have increased efforts to address violent repeat offenders within the Skeena corridor.
IIO Investigates Fatal Taser Deployment in Prince Rupert
In Prince Rupert, the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is probing a fatal interaction between police and a civilian. Documents released on March 4 and 5 clarify that officers deployed a conducted energy weapon (Taser) during a physical interaction at a residence in the 1400 block of 7th Avenue East. The subject entered medical distress shortly after the arrest and died in hospital. The IIO is currently reviewing whether police use-of-force protocols were followed.
Regional Justice and Investigative Tracker
| Date | Location | Incident | Agency Involved |
| March 4 | Thornhill | John Bangay Death (Suspicious) | BC Major Crime Section |
| March 4 | Terrace | Wanted: Jesse Keeler (3 Warrants) | Terrace RCMP |
| March 4 | Prince Rupert | IIO Probe: Fatal Taser Deployment | IIO of BC |
| March 4 | Smithers | Ashton Lewis: CSO Breach/Obstruction | Smithers RCMP |
| March 4 | Vanderhoof | NVSS School Threats (Unfounded) | Vanderhoof RCMP |
The “Killer’s To-Do List” Rogelio Bagabuyo Decision
In a chilling legal development, the March 4 publication of a 44,000-word decision by Madam Justice Kathleen Ker provided new details into the first-degree murder conviction of former lawyer Rogelio Butch Dharamdas Bagabuyo.
The decision revealed a “killer’s to-do list” found on a cue card, which included notes to “bag everything after” and leave digital devices behind to evade tracking. The motive was identified as financial desperation, as Bagabuyo had reportedly spent his client’s life savings on personal expenses and renovations before the murder.
Community Sentence Breach in Smithers
Finally, Smithers RCMP confirmed on March 4 that Ashton Lewis was remanded into custody after multiple reports of illegal snowmobile operation on town roadways. Lewis, who was serving a Conditional Sentence Order (CSO), was additionally charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer after attempting to flee on foot.
