A Winnipeg man accused of stabbing a British tourist to death in Peru released a statement calling the incident a case of self-defence.
Joshua Andrew Freeman Stevens is accused of killing Briton Unais Gomes during a hallucinogenic ceremony at a spiritual retreat in the Amazon.
CTV News reached out to Stevens’ girlfriend on Facebook, who responded with a statement attributed to him. In the statement, Stevens thanked people for their support and promised that “(this) will all make sense one day.”
“It’s hard to explain why this happened. But when I get home I will be contacting media and setting everything straight,” he said.
In the statement, Stevens says police arrested him but have since released him.
Stevens said he “is filled with pain, sorrow and loneliness” over the death of Gomes, whom he referred to as his “brother.” Stevens added that he “just wants to go home.”
Local authorities say the incident happened Wednesday night at a spiritual retreat near the town of Iquitos.
The motive isn't clear, but local police chief Normando Marquez says a knife was pulled after a fight broke out.
The hallucinogenic drink ayahuasca has been venerated for centuries by indigenous tribes in the Amazon as a cure for many ailments, but it's also increasingly consumed by Westerners looking for mind-altering experiences.
The Canadian government is providing consular assistance.
