33-year-old woman murdered on BC First Nations reserve

The North District Major Crime Unit have been called to assist the Williams Lake RCMP Detachment with the investigation of a homicide last night on a B.C. reserve.

Just after 6 p.m. officers from Williams Lake and Alexis Creek were called to the Toosey Reserve to assist BC Emergency Health Services, who were responding to report that a woman was severely injured.

When first responders arrived they found a 33-year-old woman suffering from fatal injuries. Police say that despite life-saving efforts the woman could not be revived and died at the scene.

The police said that they will not be disclosing the nature “or the mechanism” of the victim’s injuries at this time.

A local man was arrested for murder at the scene and remains in custody as the investigation progresses. No charges have been laid.

Investigators are currently in the evidence gathering stage and have identified two possible crime scenes.

One of the scenes is at the reserve and another is located at "Lovers Leap." Both scenes will be inaccessible for an undetermined amount of time, while the forensic examinations are underway.

“We understand this reserve is a close knit community and there is bound to be information being shared amongst the members and community of Williams Lake at large,” said S/Sgt. Todd Wiebe.
“If you have information about this tragic incident and have not already spoken to investigators, we ask to contact either the Williams Lake RCMP or MCU and an investigator will arrange to speak with you.”

While the investigation is still in it’s infancy, our investigators believe that is an isolated incident and the community is not at risk, states Inspector Jeff Pelley Officer in Charge Williams Lake RCMP.
“We are working with and will continue to support the ND MCU as we move toward the court process,” he added.