Police seeking witnesses in assault of 53-year-old man

Oceanside RCMP are asking for anyone who may have witnessed 53-year-old John Boyce being assaulted earlier last week to contact investigators.

View larger image: John Boyce

At approximately 6:45 PM on July 18, 2023 Oceanside RCMP and BC Ambulance were dispatched to the Craig Street Market in Parksville to assist John Boyce who reportedly told a witness that he had been assaulted. John Boyce left the Market prior to police and ambulance arrival but was located approximately one hour later in nearby Memorial Plaza. John Boyce had now been reported by witnesses to be causing a disturbance in the Plaza, was arrested by police and lodged in Oceanside RCMP cells.

On July 19, 2023 John Boyce received medical treatment at hospital, however he died in hospital on the morning of July 22, 2023. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine John Boyce's cause of death.

At this time, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Boyce’s assault have not been determined, says Sergeant Shane Worth of the Oceanside RCMP. Mr. Boyce was known to frequent the Parksville downtown core and investigators are trying to re-trace his movements, including if a potential assault occurred, in the days prior to July 18.

If anyone witnessed Mr. Boyce being assaulted or can assist investigators in placing John Boyce’s movements in the days prior to July 18, 2023 please contact the Oceanside RCMP at (250) 248-6111 quoting file # 2023-7438.