A Maple Ridge man is sharing the story of how he found himself at the centre of deadly tragedy this month.
On March 16, the Ridge Meadows RCMP responded to a report of a “fight in progress” at a residence on 110 Avenue near 237 Street.
When officers arrived, they found a 49-year-old man in medical distress.
“Despite life-saving efforts by officers and attending emergency health services, the [victim] did not survive,” said the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), which took over investigating that day.
For Kris Robb, all he knew was that something was wrong.
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He was working on a contract out of town when his phone started buzzing with pictures of police at his family home in Maple Ridge.
“Nobody wants to see your house on the news,” said Kris.
It wasn’t until the next day, when he’d flown home, that he learned what had happened.
“Probably the worst thing that’s happened in our life. My brother, allegedly killed my [expletive] friend.”
Police arrested Kris’ brother, Darcy, at the scene. He was later charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of Sean Spring, whose identity IHIT confirmed to CityNews.
Kris claims Darcy is homeless and estranged from the family. In the week leading up to the incident, he says his brother had made multiple attempts to get into his family home, and had to be removed by police.
On March 16, Kris says his wife was home alone when Darcy tried to get in again.
“He vandalized my truck. He jumped my gate in the backyard, kicked another gate down in the house, and had gone to the front door and started ding-dongin’ the house.”
Kris says that’s when his wife asked their close friend, Spring, to come help.
“Sean told her to lock the door, shut the door to the house, and just stay inside. And she did.”
Police say what followed was an altercation that ended with Spring’s death.
“Sean went there to help,” said Kris. “He was my best friend, and yeah, he’s gone.”
Holding back tears, he described Spring as a hero. Kris says he’s still coming to terms with the magnitude of the tragedy surrounding him.
“It’s gonna be different without him. I still think I can call him, but I can’t,” said Kris.
“I’m not worried about myself so much, I’ll get through it, get over it. don’t know if I’ll ever get over it. I’m worried about his kids, his family.”
Spring, a single father, left behind two young children, who are now in the custody of their 77-year-old grandmother.
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Kris says their finances are strained, so he started a fundraiser to support them. But due to his connection with the alleged killer, the community has been skeptical.
“Darcy’s name is the same as my last name,” said Kris. “I’m not proud of that.”
The children’s grandmother tells CityNews she’s deeply appreciative of the help Kris is offering, but he worries it still isn’t enough.
“Right now, all we have is time. I wish I had more time.”
—With files from Charles Brockman