Kamloops, British Columbia – A man remains in a coma after being severely beaten in a back alley in North Kamloops, with the possibility of charges being upgraded if he succumbs to his injuries. Mattheau Michael Myron Aldridge, 22, is currently facing a charge of aggravated assault in connection with the incident that occurred on May 8 in an alley off Tranquille Road.
During a recent hearing in Kamloops provincial court, Crown prosecutor Bonnie MacDonald revealed that the brutal attack was captured on high-definition surveillance video. Portions of the footage were shown in court, depicting the victim, identified as Blake Wheeler, in a heavily intoxicated state struggling to stand. The assailant can be seen approaching Wheeler, knocking him to the ground, repeatedly kicking him in the head, and forcefully stomping on his head against the pavement three times before fleeing the scene.
Aldridge was identified through the security footage and subsequently arrested on May 17, after being sought by the police following the release of security camera images to the public. Wheeler remains in a coma with brain bleeding, according to updates provided by the Kamloops Crown office, leaving Aldridge potentially facing significant prison time depending on Wheeler’s outcome.
Despite efforts by MacDonald to have Aldridge detained, he was granted bail by provincial court Judge George Leven. Aldridge will be required to abide by house arrest conditions at his father’s farm in the North Thompson. The severity of the victim’s condition has raised the possibility of an escalated charge for Aldridge if Wheeler does not survive, potentially leading to manslaughter or second-degree murder charges.
The case is set to resume with Aldridge returning to court on July 4 for further proceedings, as the community awaits justice for the gruesome attack that has left a man fighting for his life. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of swift and fair legal action to address such heinous acts.