North Vancouver RCMP have arrested a 51-year-old male in relation to the death of a two-year-old who is believed to have died as a result of poisoning.
On May 18, 2014, Henry Thomas, an Agassiz resident, had his two-year-old female in his care.
In the early morning of May 19, Thomas returned the child to her mother’s residence in North Vancouver. At around 5 a.m. that day, the child’s mother reported to the North Vancouver RCMP that her child was deceased.
An in-depth police investigation unfolded and in July 2015, a search warrant was executed at the Thomas residence in Agassiz. According to police, snakes and related equipment were seized from the residence.
Throughout 2016 and 2017, biological DNA testing was conducted and confirmed that snake venom was the cause of death.
Police arrested Thomas on Jan. 18, 2018 without incident at his Agassiz residence. He has since been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life.
“This is a very tragic incident that resulted in a complex, unique investigation by police and support agencies,” said Supt. Chris Kennedy, of the North Vancouver RCMP. “Our condolences are extended to the family and community of the deceased child.”
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