Mark Anthony Louis is home recovering after being brutally beaten and left beside the Kispiox River two weeks ago.
His family is happy to have him home, but remain frustrated with how they’ve been treated since the night Mark had his legs broken and woke up next to the river in -18 degree temperatures.
The family has been without a vehicle due to their 1998 Ford Transport being stolen by the men who beat Mark. The van was collected by the Louis family on Friday, but they had to pay nearly $400 to get it back.
“We asked around and heard that if a vehicle is part of an ongoing investigation the police pay for the tow,” Carol, Mark’s wife said. “One officer told us that we may be reimbursed. If our van was investigated for finger prints and other things then why are we having to pay?”
Sgt. Jeff Pelley doesn’t have any qualms with the way his detachment is progressing in the investigation.
“I have every confidence the officers involved are doing what is necessary to figure out exactly what happened that night,” Sgt. Pelley said.
Arrests will be made once the RCMP have grounds to do so, Pelley added.
The Louis’ are bewildered as to why arrests haven’t been made thus far.
“One of the guys that did this lives right across the street from us,” Carol said. “We’re afraid for our lives. The ones that did this tried to kill my husband and they’re still walking the streets. If they’re capable of doing what they did who knows what else they might try?”
The Louis’ remain steadfast that they were treated poorly by RCMP, paramedics, nurses at Wrinch Memorial Hospital and may seek legal means to address their grievances, Carol said.
“There comes a point when you can fold or stand up,” she said. “We choose to stand.”