Dwight William Kematch: The 2024 Homicide Case

Background and Charges

On January 28, 2024, Vancouver Police responded to a 9-1-1 call at a residence near Knight Street and East 33rd Avenue in East Vancouver. Inside, they discovered the body of 31-year-old Alexander Lo and arrested 39-year-old Dwight William Kematch. Kematch was charged with second-degree murder and has remained in custody since, as reported by the Vancouver Police Department. The case marked Vancouver’s first homicide of 2024, drawing significant attention due to its later connection to the 2025 car attack.

Legal Proceedings

Kematch pleaded not guilty, and a preliminary inquiry began in October 2024 to determine if there was sufficient evidence for a trial, according to Vancouver Is Awesome. As of April 2025, the trial is ongoing, with no new updates available. Earlier in 2024, a bail hearing was delayed as the defense reviewed evidence, indicating the complexity of the case (Vancouver Is Awesome).

Additional Context

Kematch’s actions extended beyond Vancouver. In January 2024, he allegedly sent threatening messages via Facebook to the mayor and city council members of Hamtramck, Michigan, prompting an FBI investigation. These threats, reported by ArabAmericanNews, coincided with his arrest for Alexander Lo’s murder, suggesting a pattern of concerning behavior.

Connection to the Car Attack

Alexander Lo was the brother of Kai-Ji Adam Lo, the suspect in the 2025 Vancouver car attack. The murder profoundly impacted Kai-Ji, contributing to his mental health struggles, which also included his mother’s suicide attempt in August 2024. This personal tragedy is a critical link between Kematch’s actions and the later attack.

Table: Key Details About Dwight William Kematch

The Vancouver Car Attack: A Devastating Tragedy

Incident Overview

On April 26, 2025, at approximately 8:14 pm, a black 2018 Audi Q7 SUV driven by Kai-Ji Adam Lo plowed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street in South Vancouver. The attack killed at least 11 people, including a 5-year-old girl, and injured dozens, some critically, as reported by CNN. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with one attendee, Kris Pangilinan, noting “bodies flying” as the vehicle accelerated (The Guardian).

The Suspect: Kai-Ji Adam Lo

Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident, was arrested at the scene and charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected. Authorities have ruled out terrorism, citing Lo’s significant mental health issues as the primary factor. Lo had a history of delusions and paranoia, with multiple interactions with police and healthcare professionals. His family’s tragedies—Alexander’s murder in 2024 and his mother’s suicide attempt—exacerbated his condition. Hours before the attack, his family sought psychiatric help, but intervention was not provided in time.

Community Impact

The attack left Vancouver’s Filipino community and the city at large in mourning. A vigil was held on April 27, 2025, at Kensington Park, where community members lit candles and laid flowers. Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the site, pausing his election campaign to express solidarity and highlight the Filipino “Bayanihan” spirit of communal support. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim ordered a safety review of public events, acknowledging the absence of heavy vehicle barricades at the festival, which was held on school grounds.

Official Responses

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ensured diplomatic assistance, while Philippine senators, including Senate President Francis Escudero, condemned the attack and urged support for victims, as noted in Manila Bulletin. The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver emphasized community resilience, though specific statements were not publicly detailed in available sources.

Table: Key Details of the Vancouver Car Attack

The Lapu Lapu Day Festival: A Cultural Cornerstone

Festival Background

The Lapu Lapu Day festival, held annually in Vancouver, celebrates Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino national hero who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century. In its second year in 2025, the festival drew nearly 100,000 attendees to South Vancouver, featuring cultural performances, food vendors, a basketball tournament, and family-friendly activities. It is a vital event for Vancouver’s Filipino community, which numbers approximately 925,500, according to the 2021 Canadian census.

Significance to the Filipino Community

The festival fosters cultural pride and unity, showcasing Filipino heritage through music, dance, and cuisine. It serves as a gathering point for the Filipino diaspora, strengthening community bonds in a city known for its diversity. The 2025 event was particularly significant, highlighting the growing influence of Filipino Canadians in Vancouver.

Impact of the Attack

The April 26, 2025, attack transformed a day of celebration into one of mourning. The loss of 11 lives, including a young child, and injuries to dozens cast a long shadow over the community’s sense of safety. Festival organizers expressed devastation, noting the lasting impact on attendees and the broader Filipino community. Despite this, the community’s response has been marked by resilience, with vigils and communal support initiatives reflecting the “Bayanihan” spirit.

Table: Key Details of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival

Broader Implications

Mental Health Crisis

The Vancouver car attack underscores a critical gap in mental health support. Kai-Ji Adam Lo’s untreated mental health issues, compounded by his brother’s murder and his mother’s suicide attempt, highlight the need for accessible and immediate psychiatric care. His family’s unsuccessful attempt to seek help hours before the attack points to systemic failures that must be addressed to prevent future tragedies.

Public Safety Concerns

The absence of heavy vehicle barricades at the festival, despite police presence, has sparked debate about public event safety. Mayor Sim’s safety review aims to address these vulnerabilities, particularly in light of increasing vehicle-ramming incidents globally. The attack emphasizes the need for proactive measures to protect large gatherings.

Community Resilience

Vancouver’s Filipino community has demonstrated remarkable strength in the face of tragedy. The vigils, communal support, and statements from leaders reflect a commitment to healing and unity. However, the psychological and emotional toll will require sustained support, including counseling and community initiatives.

Conclusion

The interconnected tragedies involving Dwight William Kematch, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, and the Lapu Lapu Day festival reveal the profound impact of personal loss and mental health struggles. Kematch’s alleged murder of Alexander Lo in 2024 set off a chain of events that led to the devastating 2025 car attack, which shattered a cherished cultural celebration. As Vancouver mourns, the Filipino community’s resilience and calls for improved mental health and safety measures offer hope for recovery and prevention. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for compassion, vigilance, and systemic change to protect and support all communities.