Mounties in Northern B.C. have released the name of the woman murdered in her home over the Thanksgiving weekend in an alleged home invasion, but have not ruled out the possibility that the attack was random.
Maria (Teresa) Rego, 47, was found seriously injured early Sunday morning after police received a report of a stabbing and break-and-enter at a Kitimat home. Her husband, 46-year-old Gualter Manuel Rego, was also severely injured.
A teen suspect was arrested nearby. Maria Rego died in hospital later that day.
Nineteen-year-old Tyler Scott Eli is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and break and enter. RCMP are still trying to establish a motive and the relationship between the teen and his middle-aged victims.
Eli has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Oct. 25.
Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said investigators have been canvassing door-to-door in hopes of learning more information and finding any possible witnesses.
"Although reported to us at 7 a.m. on Sunday, we are asking that should anyone have seen anything or anyone suspicious late last Saturday night early Sunday morning… to contact our investigators," he said in a statement issued to media Thursday.
Forensic teams from Terrace and RCMP "E" Division headquarters are continuing their examination of the home, Moskaluk added.
An autopsy for the deceased was scheduled for Thursday in Vancouver.
Police have not released how Rego died, and details and the nature of the injuries sustained by either victims are not being released at this time.
Gualter Manuel Rego was listed in stable condition after undergoing surgery on Sunday.
