Brian Reum, 69, sentenced to five years in B.C. for slashing his wife’s throat 55 days into their marriage, leaving her with lasting trauma.
Retiree Faces Prison for Brutal Assault
Brian Gene Reum, 69, a retired Rotarian, will serve five years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault for slashing his wife’s throat just 55 days after their marriage. The sentence was handed down by Judge Monica McParland in Penticton Provincial Court on October 20, 2025.
A Relationship Marred by Turmoil
The couple met in 2023, but their relationship quickly became volatile, especially when alcohol was involved. Court records revealed prior incidents of violence, including a trip to Seattle where Reum admitted to becoming aggressive. On March 28, 2024, following an argument in their Keremeos home, Reum’s wife told him she wanted a divorce.
The Attack Unfolds
That evening, Reum texted his two daughters with a preemptive apology and instructions about his will before retrieving a knife. He approached his wife from behind, slashed her throat in a single strike, and then turned the blade toward himself. His wife, initially unaware of the severity of her injuries, tried to fend him off before Reum fell. She drifted in and out of consciousness until police arrived following Reum’s text.
Injuries and Medical Assessment
Despite an eight-inch subcutaneous wound that cut through multiple muscle layers, doctors were able to suture the injury without life-threatening complications. “Although the deeper layers of her throat were exposed, no major blood vessels were damaged,” Judge McParland noted, citing the medical report. The assault left her with a permanent four-inch scar and ongoing psychological trauma, including panic attacks and hypervigilance.
Court Deliberations and Evidence
In sentencing, Judge McParland reviewed extensive submissions: an agreed statement of facts, pre-sentencing and psychiatric reports, medical records, photographs, Fraser Health counselling notes, and over 20 character reference letters. Despite Reum’s lack of a prior criminal record and community involvement, the judge emphasized denunciation and general deterrence. “Although I always consider rehabilitation…in this case I must place particular emphasis on denunciation and general deterrence,” she said.
Legal Outcome and Aggravating Factors
Reum had faced both aggravated assault and attempted murder charges, though the attempted murder charge was stayed. The judge cited abuse of trust, intimate partner violence, and the serious impact of the offence as statutory aggravating factors. “It is clear from the text message and the admission that it was an intentional and purposeful act,” McParland stated. Reum also attempted to harm himself, further highlighting the severity of the incident.
Victim Impact and Civil Proceedings
Reum’s ex-wife provided a victim impact statement detailing ongoing physical and emotional consequences. She continues to rely on security measures and has not returned to work due to anxiety. In addition to the criminal sentence, she has filed a civil lawsuit against Reum related to the assault.
Your voice. Your city. Your news. Stay connected with Surrey Speak.
