The British Columbia Murder Victim List 2023 is available here

On Wednesday September 13, 2023, the Chilliwack RCMP responded to a report of shots fired in the 46000 block of Chilliwack Lake Road, where two deceased individuals were located in a nearby residence. 

Police have identified the victims as 58-year old John Kavaloff and 67-year old Valerie Smith of Chilliwack, in hopes of advancing the investigation.

A suspect was identified and taken into custody at the scene, there is no risk to public safety. Robert Freeman 83, has been charged with two counts of second degree murder. He was granted bail after a hearing at the Chilliwack Law Courts

Update: On May 15th 2026, Robert Freeman has entered guilty pleas to committing the second degree murder of John Kavaloff and the manslaughter of Valerie Smith. The victims were Mr. Freeman’s long-time next-door neighbours.

The court heard that on Sept. 13, 2023, Robert Freeman walked from his home to his neighbours’ driveway carrying a .22-calibre rifle. Following a brief exchange, he shot Kavaloff in the chest, killing him. Freeman then fired a second shot, striking Smith as she emerged from the house. She later died from her injuries.

After the shootings, Freeman returned home and waited for police, admitting responsibility when questioned. He told investigators he had become increasingly distressed by noise coming from Kavaloff’s workshop but acknowledged there was no justification for the violence and expressed deep remorse.

The court described Kavaloff and Smith as beloved family members whose deaths devastated their relatives and community. While Freeman’s advanced age, poor health, lack of criminal history, and genuine remorse were considered mitigating factors, the judge found the killings were aggravated by the use of a firearm, the targeting of unsuspecting neighbours, and the loss of two lives.

Freeman was sentenced to life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole for 10 years for the murder conviction. He also received a concurrent eight-year sentence for manslaughter in connection with Smith’s death.