Victoria, Canada — A man convicted of murdering a stranger in 2022 has been sentenced to additional prison time for a separate violent incident that occurred just days before the fatal attack. Mohamed Daud Omar was already serving a life sentence for the murder of 30-year-old John Dickinson and has now received a 4.5-year sentence for an aggravated assault on his roommate.
In early February 2022, Omar, 31, assaulted his roommate in their shared residence using multiple knives. The attack took place on February 6, shortly before Omar would be released from custody on strict bail conditions. On February 28, after his release, he fatally stabbed Dickinson outside Lucky Bar in downtown Victoria, leading to his immediate flight from the scene, followed by his eventual surrender to law enforcement.
Upon his arrest, Omar claimed to a 911 operator that he acted in self-defense, asserting that Dickinson had assaulted him. Following a trial, he was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, with eligibility for parole after 13 years. Dickinson’s family expressed their anguish over the loss, highlighting the pain of a senseless death.
Despite his existing life sentence, an additional sentence for the aggravated assault against his roommate was handed down this week. This term will not extend the timeline for his potential parole related to the murder conviction.
Omar represented himself during his court proceedings, opting out of legal counsel provided through legal aid. His history of violence extends beyond the incidents in 2022. He has prior convictions in Ontario, where he was charged with various offenses, including assault and breaking and entering, between 2013 and 2017.
During his trial, a psychiatric evaluation indicated no clear diagnosis but noted a troubling pattern of antisocial behavior and potential personality disorders. Reports from incarceration indicate that Omar has continued to exhibit violent tendencies, engaging in altercations with both inmates and corrections staff.
The parole board will reassess Omar’s risk for release in 2035. Until then, he remains in custody, facing the consequences of his violent actions that have spanned years and multiple jurisdictions.