Joshua Tyler Bredo, 27, had originally been charged with second -degree murder but the charge was stayed in December 2011 for lack of evidence.

The new charge follows a review carried out by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit, which included an examination of the case by an independent pathologist.

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According to court documents, Bredo called 911 at 5 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2011, to say he had been stabbed in the stomach, arm and head. Police arrived at the apartment to find Bredo lying on his back on the living-room floor while Levesque was face-down on a couch.

Levesque, 20, died in hospital.

On Dec. 8, 2011, a pathologist ruled that while Levesque had been struck on the head with a tool similar to a hammer, he died of cocaine toxicity. The next day, the Crown stayed the charges against Bredo.

Bredo’s evidence was that Levesque assaulted him.

RCMP Const. Margo Downey said in an affidavit filed with the court in April 2012 that 54 text messages on Bredo’s Blackberry were sent to or received from Levesque’s phone.

The phone was sent to the RCMP lab, which was able to retrieve the messages, but at the time, results were not expected for nine to 12 months.

In March, investigators also asked the court to retain Bredo’s jeans, ring, bracelet and shoes for possible DNA testing.

Levesque played guitar at various spots in Victoria and was often accompanied by Bredo.

Bredo was arrested Friday in Okotoks, Alberta.

He is in custody in Victoria and is expected to appear in provincial court on Monday.

smcculloch@timescolonist.com