More than two years later, the victim of a 2022 homicide in Vernon has been identified.
Michael Brereton, 38, was named in a B.C. Civil Forfeiture lawsuit that was filed on June 27, 2024.
Brereton was killed in what was described as a "targeted" event, in the parking lot of a townhouse complex in the 5300-block of 25th Ave.
Surveillance footage uncovered during the investigation captured a small, black, four-door sedan fleeing the scene at the time of the shooting.
A day later, what is believed to be the same vehicle used in the shooting was reported abandoned and on fire. There has been no charges laid in the killing, and scant information on the event until June 27, 2024 when a forfeiture claim was filed.
The claim is requesting the forfeiture of $571,400 in funds from the residence of Brereton.
Also named in the claim is Norma Nasal, who was the common-law spouse of Brereton. Another defendant, Tiana Trinidad was also named.
According to the civil claim, on June 3, 2022, Brereton was named as the victim of the homicide. Three days later, the RCMP executed a search warrant where money was found in a cardboard box, bubble wrap bags and a case totalling $571,400.
Also found were three handguns and a submachine gun. RCMP seized the money as the packaging of it was "not consistent with standard banking practices."
The claim states that the money had been used by Brereton to engage in unlawful activities consistent with trafficking controlled substances, money laundering and tax evasion.
According to section 52 of B.C.'s Civil Forfeiture Act, any cash greater than $10,000 that is bundled or packaged in a manner "not consistent with standard banking practices," is proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that the cash is proceeds of unlawful activity.
The defendants, in order to refute the forfeiture claim, must prepare a list of documents within 35 day that could be used to prove or disprove material fact.
According to court records, there has been no appeals currently on the forfeiture.
