Warning: This story may be difficult for some readers.
The girlfriend of a recent London stabbing victim held back tears Wednesday as she recalled her final moments with him before he was taken to hospital.
Police investigating the scene of a homicide near Dundas and Hewitt Streets Jan. 13, 2026. (Hayden King/XFM News)
Brandon Christopher Jamieson Nichols, 45, died after being stabbed Monday in the hallway of a Dundas Street apartment building, police said.
He was the city’s first reported homicide victim of 2026.
As of Wednesday, police had not made any arrests yet.
“He didn’t deserve to die. He’d do anything for anyone. It’s just heartbreaking,” said Marissa Bentley, 31, who said she was his girlfriend of six years. “His biggest fear was dying alone.”
In an emotional interview with reporters, she described Nichols as a loyal person and “one of the most giving people you’d ever meet.”
Bentley said people who are homeless often go into the apartment building to get warm. On Monday, she went through the back door and saw Nichols lying on the ground with a single stab wound to the abdomen, she said.
“A friend of his was just trying to hold the wound,” she said. “Then, [the friend] had to get up and do something, so he’s like, ‘just hold pressure.'” Bentley held the wound until police arrived, she said.
Police said officers on the scene provided emergency care to Nichols until paramedics arrived. Paramedics treated him and took him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Bentley said that she and friends of Nichols were planning a candlelight vigil Wednesday night outside of the building.
In response to questioning from XFM News, London Police Service said they did not have any updates and the investigation is ongoing.
Police have asked anyone with any information related to the situation to call 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
