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
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.