2nd-degree murder charge laid after woman stabbed to death in New Westminster

Homicide investigators say a 57-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder following the stabbing death of a woman in New Westminster Friday afternoon.

Officers from the New Westminster Police Department were called to the 200 block of Suzuki Street around 5:10 p.m., according to a Saturday news release from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

When they arrived, first responders found a 46-year-old woman suffering from life-threatening injuries. She died at the scene, and IHIT was called to take over the investigation.

Homicide investigators identified the victim Saturday as New Westminster resident Kulwant Kaur. They said they hope releasing her name will help further their investigation.

The 57-year-old suspect was taken into custody at the scene, IHIT said. Balvir Singh, also a New Westminster resident, was charged with second-degree murder on Saturday.

“This appears to be an isolated incident between family members,” said IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Timothy Pierotti in a Zoom interview with CTV News Saturday afternoon.

Asked to elaborate on the relationship between the suspect and the victim, Pierotti said they were married.

"This is, obviously, another tragic incident of domestic violence that has ended with someone's life being taken far too soon," Pierotti said, adding that support is available through both NWPD and IHIT Victim Services for community members who need it.

Singh remained in custody Saturday, Pierotti said.

He said investigators would be in the area speaking to witnesses and processing the scene throughout the day Saturday. Police are asking anyone with information who hasn't already come forward to contact IHIT "immediately."

"We're identifying the victim in hopes that anyone who knew her, who had recent contact with her, could please contact the police as we try to build a timeline of events leading up to her tragic death," Pierotti said.

Investigators are also looking to speak to people who may have insight into Kaur's relationships, he said.

"(We're looking for) anything that can contribute to helping us understand why this happened," Pierotti said.

Anyone with information is asked to call IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or email [e-mail], police said.