Attempted murder charge laid against man after Vancouver Island college attack

A violent attack inside a Vancouver Island college residence that sent two people to hospital has now led to an attempted murder charge.

Comox Valley RCMP say the BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault against 21-year-old Julian Nathyn Smith of Burnaby.

The charges stem from an incident at the North Island College’s Courtenay campus shortly before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16th.

Officers were called to the residence building after receiving multiple reports of an assault involving what police decribed as an edged weapon.

Police arrived and found two injured victims before identifying and arresting a suspect.

Both victims were transported to hospital and are expected to recover from their injuries.

Smith has since appeared in court and was remanded in custody.

Although charges have now been laid, investigators say they are continuing to examine what happened before and during the attack.

“Although charges have been laid, investigators continue to examine every aspect of this incident to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the event, including the events leading up to it and the factors that may have contributed to it,” said Const. Monika Terragni of the Comox Valley RCMP.

The Comox Valley RCMP Major Crime Unit has been leading the investigation with assistance from the Island District Forensic Identification Section.

Police previously said there was no information suggesting an ongoing threat to students, staff or the wider community.

As the case is now before the courts, RCMP said no further details will be released.

Anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators is asked to contact Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 and reference file 2026-14724.