A Vancouver Island man has been charged with first-degree murder in the hit-and-run of a cyclist near the Comox Valley.

On the evening of Feb. 8, Rod Kelly was run down while cycling on the Comox Parkway, between Courtenay and Cumberland. He was found by a passerby who called 911. He later died in hospital.

Steve Squires faces one count of murder and one count of failing to stop after an accident resulting in death.

He remains in custody.

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Police were photographed in Cumberland, investigating a Nissan Titan truck with damage to the front end consistent with an impact on Saturday in Cumberland.

This is the second tragedy the Kellys have dealt with in recent years. In 2018, Leanne Kelly, Rod鈥檚 sister, was a victim in a double murder in a Courtenay home. Michael Simard of Courtenay is serving a life sentence for two-second degree murder convictions.

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Squires is scheduled to reappear in court on the morning of Feb. 29.

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