Friends believe Ausman stabbed

Photo: Facebook

Left to right brother Kelly Ausman, mother Annie Hutton, and Christopher Ausman

One week has passed since Christopher Ausman’s body was discovered on a Rutland sidewalk and now Castanet has learned some exclusive details.

A source close to Ausman’s brother confirms that the family believes Ausman was stabbed to death, information that has not been confirmed by the BC Coroner or Police.

Photo: Facebook

Chris Ausman and his daughter Dylynn

Earlier media reports that Ausman was playing in a high stakes poker game at a local bar and that he had won the game are also false according to this close family friend.

They say the game was played at a friend's house in Rutland and that Ausman did not win the final hand.

Theories that he had been robbed for the winnings also don’t hold true according to the family who says Ausman was found with his wallet, watch and cash still on him.

Friends tell Castanet that they believe he must have got into an altercation with at least two men, as he was a 'big guy'.

Castanet has also learned that Chris Ausman’s father has been a civilian member of the RCMP in Cranbrook for over 20 years, dedicating his life to fighting crime.

His dad, Eric Ausman, is currently the East Kootenay Crime Stopper Coordinator and has been since 1992.

Eric Ausman was reportedly in town this week.

Christoper Ausman's funeral service was Saturday in Cranbrook, you can read his obituary here. 

Police are still asking for the public’s assistance regarding the hours that lead up to Ausman’s death.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or anyone who had been in contact with Christopher Ausman during the evening of Jan. 24, 2014 and early morning hours of Jan. 25, 2013 is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP Tip Line at 250-470-6236.

You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

-- With files from Jennifer Zielinski