Body found in Shawnigan Lake confirmed as deceased Central Saanich Police officer

A body that was discovered in a rural forested area of Shawnigan Lake on Wednesday has been confirmed as one of the two Central Saanich police officers charged with sexual assault earlier this week. 

On Wednesday, December 18th, the day after charges were laid against them, one of these officer’s bodies was discovered in a forested area of Shawnigan Lake. 

According to the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO), a police accountability organization, 43-year-old Matthew Ball was found dead by Shawnigan Lake RCMP and is believed to have committed suicide. 

“Initial investigative steps will seek to confirm the details of what occurred leading up to and during the officer’s death,” said IIO in a statement about their investigation of Ball’s death. 

Ball was charged by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), along with fellow Central Saanich Police officer Ryan Johnston. 

VPD says the two officers are alleged to have each sexually assaulted a vulnerable young woman who they met while in the line of duty. 

Additionally, evidence suggests they each did so independently of one another.

Related:

• Central Saanich police officer charged with sexual assault allegedly found dead
• Deceased body found in forested area in Shawnigan Lake: RCMP
• Two Central Saanich police officers arrested and charged for sexual assault

VPD handled the investigation after Ball and Johnston’s allegations came to the attention of Central Saanich Police Chief Ian Lawson in late October.

Central Saanich Police then requested an external investigation be conducted by VPD through the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner. 

Victoria Buzz reached out to Central Saanich Police for a statement regarding Ball’s suicide, but have not received a response as of this publication. 

A media spokesperson for Shawnigan Lake RCMP says no further information will be provided at this time, as the investigation is ongoing. 

At this time, Shawnigan Lake, the IIO and the BC Coroners Service are all handling concurrent investigations into Ball’s death, while VPD are handling the criminal charges pressed against him and Johnston. 

The Saanich Police Department says they will be assisting the Central Saanich Police Service by providing patrol officers to manage calls in their jurisdiction while support is provided to officers processing Ball and Johnston’s charges, as well as Ball’s death.