British Columbia

Manslaughter charge laid against woman in Caprice Nightclub attack

Samantha Doolan, 29, has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Lauren McLellan, 28, outside the Caprice Nightclub this summer.

Lauren Lindsay McLellan died after a brutal attack outside the nightclub over trivial matter, police said

Police officers shut down the Caprice nightclub on Granville Street following a violent attack outside the club on Aug. 11. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

A woman has been charged in connection with a fatal attack on another woman outside Vancouver's Caprice Nightclub this summer.

Samantha Doolan, 29, has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Lauren McLellan, 28, Vancouver police announced on Friday morning.

McLellan died after she was attacked outside the Caprice Nightclub at Granville and Smithe Streets on Aug. 11 around 2 a.m. PT.

"The family of this 28-year-old woman is now devastated. Their lives are forever changed," said Const. Brian Montague.

At the time police said the attack happened a few minutes after a brief fight broke out inside the club over a minor issue between the victim and two other women.

"This was a 28-year-old woman who was just out trying to have a good time safely with some friends — not unlike anyone else who goes down there — and unfortunately she ran into this woman," said Montague today after announcing the charge.

"Often we will see in bars trivial arguments or trivial matters that get out of control. This was something that at the beginning was very minor. It should not have resulted in an assault or an attack. It definitely should not have resulted in a young woman's death."

Suspects fled in taxi

After the attack, the alleged suspects fled , but were arrested by police about half an hour later as they exited a taxi near Hastings and Abbott streets.

The two suspects — aged 25 and 29 — were described as being from Vancouver and another B.C. city outside the Lower Mainland.

Neither knew the victim, police said.

Witnesses captured disjointed parts of the incident on cell phone video.