Murder charge laid, victim identified in stabbing at Burnaby, B.C. mall
Homicide investigators say a man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the fatal stabbing at Burnaby's Metrotown mall last month.
Everton Downey, 31, has been charged in the killing of 25-year-old North Vancouver resident Melissa Blimkie, according to a news release from the Lower Mainland's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
IHIT said the two were in a relationship "for some time prior to the homicide."
Downey remains in police custody, IHIT said.
Mounties were called to a parking garage at Metrotown late in the morning of Dec. 19. When they arrived, they found a victim with stab wounds. She was taken to hospital, where she died of her injuries.
Video from the scene showed debris on the floor just inside an entrance to the mall near Walmart. Nearby streets were behind police tape for much of the afternoon, and police could be seen entering an apartment building on Dow Avenue, not far from the scene.
Announcing the charges on Wednesday, IHIT thanked Burnaby RCMP for assisting "in the containment of Mr. Downey." Investigators also thanked Metro Vancouver Transit Police for making the initial arrest.
“This is an unimaginable loss for the friends and family of Melissa,” said IHIT spokesperson Sgt. David Lee, in the release.
“We hope that this outcome provides them with some answers.”
Although Downey has been charged, the investigation is ongoing, police said. They released a photo of Blimkie in hopes of identifying "associates" who can provide more information about the relationship between her and Downey.
Investigators ask anyone with information to contact the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.