A man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for 11 years for the 2024 murder of Alexander Lo, the brother of Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who is implicated in the Lapu-Lapu Day car-ramming incident that resulted in 11 deaths. Dwight Kematch, aged 41, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in July. During sentencing in a Vancouver court, Kematch acknowledged the impact of the murder on Lo’s brother.
Kematch and Lo initially met through the dating app Grindr. They met at Kematch’s Vancouver residence in the early hours of January 28, 2024, where they engaged in sexual activity. However, an altercation ensued, leading Kematch to violently assault Lo with his fists, a hammer, and a knife. Kematch’s sister and brother-in-law intervened when they heard Lo’s calls for help, prompting Kematch to stop. Despite police intervention, Lo could not be revived.
Prosecutor Mark Myhre described the crime as “absolutely brutal,” emphasizing that Kematch had the opportunity to cease the attack when his brother-in-law intervened but chose not to. A joint submission by Myhre and defense counsel Jim Heller called for a mandatory life sentence for second-degree murder, with a possibility of parole after 13 years minus time served.
In court, it was revealed that Kematch had a criminal record predating 2004, which included convictions related to animal cruelty and arson. Heller highlighted Kematch’s turbulent life marked by tragedy, abuse, and the impact of Indigenous colonization as contributing factors. Justice F. Matthew Kirchner concurred with the proposed sentence, acknowledging Kematch’s efforts towards rehabilitation while incarcerated.
Lisa, the victim’s mother, shared in a victim impact statement the profound impact of her son’s death, leading to mental health struggles and financial hardships. Friends and family attested to Alexander Lo’s vibrant personality and the devastating loss caused by his murder. Kematch expressed remorse during the sentencing, recognizing his responsibility for the violence and the devastating consequences of his actions.
The judge imposed a lifelong ban on Kematch possessing firearms and prohibited weapons. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, the victim’s brother and a suspect in the Lapu-Lapu Day attack, is set to appear in court in February.