Man charged with second-degree murder after Coquitlam assault victim dies in hospital

A man initially charged with aggravated assault in connection with a serious attack in Coquitlam earlier this month is now facing a second-degree murder charge after the victim died in hospital.

Coquitlam RCMP say officers were called to the 400 block of Midvale Street around 6:19 a.m. on August 1, 2025, for a report of an assault with a weapon. When police arrived, they say they found a man suffering from severe injuries. He was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his wounds.

Investigators quickly secured the scene, and a suspect – 59-year-old Steven Mosdell – was taken into custody shortly after police arrived. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took over the case, working alongside the Lower Mainland Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service.

According to IHIT, there was no initial media release about the incident because Mosdell was arrested at the scene and the investigation was immediately focused on gathering perishable evidence. Early findings determined that Mosdell and the victim were known to each other, there was no risk to the public and the incident was contained to a residence.

Mosdell has remained in custody since being charged with aggravated assault on August 1. Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, IHIT later provided additional information to the BC Prosecution Service, which upgraded the charge to second-degree murder on Aug. 13.

“As part of the investigation, IHIT has determined that the victim and Mr. Mosdell were known to one another,” said Corp. Esther Tupper of IHIT. “We’re asking anyone with information about this incident to please contact IHIT immediately.”

Police are appealing to witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on August 1 to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.