Assault charge upgraded to manslaughter following deadly Maple Ridge fight

A 45-year-old man has now been charged with manslaughter after a fight at Maple Ridge home turned deadly earlier this month.

On March 23, 2026, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) charged Darcy Robb with one count of manslaughter, upgrading a previous charge of assault causing bodily harm issued last week.

The charge comes after RCMP investigators with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) spent more than a week gathering and reviewing evidence related to the March 16 altercation.

“This investigation moved quickly and investigators continued to follow the evidence to understand the circumstances surrounding the death,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “Through meticulous work with our policing partners and a thorough review of facts, we submitted additional evidence to the BCPS.”

According to police, officers with the Ridge Meadows RCMP were called to a residence in the 23700 block of 110 Ave. at around 7:30 p.m. for reports of a fight in progress. When officers arrived, they found a 49-year-old man suffering from serious injuries and in medical distress.

Despite attempts by first responders to save him, the man died at the scene.

Robb was arrested at the time and taken into custody, and the case handed over to IHIT due to the suspicious nature of the death. 

The investigation has involved multiple agencies, including the Ridge Meadows RCMP Serious Crime Unit, Integrated Forensic Identification Services, and the BC Coroners Service, police said.

Police have said from the outset that the incident appears to be isolated, involving individuals who were known to one another.

Robb remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance.

Fong added that investigators are extending their condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.

IHIT has not released the name of the deceased, and no further details about the circumstances leading up to the altercation have been made public.