Residents of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, are grappling with a surge in violence and unsolved murders that has left the small town feeling unsafe. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not met their own deadlines for providing answers, prompting further investigation into the ongoing crime wave.

Arron Linklater, a long-time resident and cocaine dealer, carries essential items when he leaves home: wallet, phone, keys, and a bullet-proof vest. For over 30 years, Linklater has operated in Dawson Creek, a town that has transformed from a farming community to a hub for oil and gas. He claims his drug business can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars monthly. Despite his criminal activities, he has only been arrested once for drug trafficking.

Linklater reflects on the town's past, recalling a time when his grandfather, the mayor in 1951, would not have had to worry about violence. "He’s turning in his grave right now," Linklater said. "I’m his only grandson who would carry the Linklater name on. He’d just say: ‘You’re a f–king idiot.’ He’d probably slap me."

Dawson Creek, with a population of about 12,500, has seen 13 unsolved homicides in the past four years, including 11 since January 2023. The RCMP had previously indicated they expected to achieve some success in solving these cases, but no arrests have been made to date. Laura Lambert, a local resident whose two nieces are among the victims, expressed frustration, saying, "Get investigators here that will do something about it, get rid of the drug dealers. We want our kids back."

The atmosphere in Dawson Creek is filled with fear and speculation. Rumors about the killings circulate widely, often fueled by threats on social media. Staff Sgt. Kris Clark of the RCMP noted, "I think the biggest misconception here is knowing and proving are two completely different things."

Linklater, who has received threats against his life, refuses to leave the town. "I ain't gonna f–king hide. I'm gonna stand in broad f–king daylight," he stated. He believes the crime in Dawson Creek is not the result of organized gangs but rather uncoordinated violence among local drug dealers.

Statistics reveal a troubling trend: Dawson Creek's homicide rate is 14 times the national average, and overdose cases have increased five-fold from 2016 to 2023. Residents are concerned that criminals are arrested but rarely serve significant time in jail, leading to a cycle of violence and fear.

Jan Atkinson, an outreach worker who moved to Dawson Creek in 2017, initially sought refuge from the opioid crisis in her previous home. However, she quickly discovered a different kind of devastation. "I think things were really set off with the first murders of Tina and Roy," she said, referring to the unsolved killings of Adam Roy Isley and Tina Nellis in January 2023. Their deaths marked the beginning of a troubling trend in the town.

Isley, who had a promising career in the oil and gas industry, fell into the local drug culture, leading to his untimely death. His father, Quinten Isley, expressed his anguish, stating, "They said you couldn't have an open casket. The funeral people couldn’t put him back together again."

As Dawson Creek continues to grapple with its rising crime rates, the community remains on edge, searching for answers and a return to safety.