Kelowna Man Pleads Guilty in Chilliwack Nightclub Death

UPDATE: A Kelowna man has just pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with the tragic death of Nicholas Epp, who died outside The Liquid Zoo nightclub nearly a year after the incident. Matthew Reimer appeared in Kelowna Supreme Court today, September 4, 2023, entering his plea to a lesser charge that follows a complex legal battle spanning three years.

The assault occurred on August 12, 2022, when Epp, visiting from Chilliwack, was involved in a confrontation outside the nightclub. According to court documents, Epp, accompanied by his wife Dorothy and friends, was ejected from the club shortly before 10:30 p.m. after being denied service due to intoxication. The incident escalated in an alley where Epp and Reimer exchanged words leading to a physical altercation.

Witnesses reported that Epp attempted to confront Reimer, who had already emptied his pockets and appeared ready for a fight. Reimer struck Epp, causing him to fall and hit his head on a food truck step, rendering him unconscious. Despite immediate medical attention, Epp was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:56 p.m. that night.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) launched an investigation, initially treating the case as a potential homicide, and sought public assistance in identifying Reimer from surveillance footage. However, it wasn’t until a year later that charges were officially filed against him.

Reimer was initially charged with manslaughter, and a trial was set to begin on September 2, 2023. That trial was postponed as both defense and prosecution negotiated a plea agreement, leading to today’s plea.

Reimer is scheduled to appear via video in Kelowna courts on October 20, 2023, to finalize a date for sentencing. This case highlights the ongoing battle against violence in nightlife settings, and the community remains deeply affected by the loss of Nicholas Epp.

As developments continue, the public is urged to reflect on the impact of such incidents, emphasizing the need for safer environments in entertainment venues. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.