Concerns rise over domestic violence in British Columbia as husband charged with wife’s death

Concerns are growing over recent violent incidents against women in the Lower Mainland.

Abbotsford police were called to a house on Eastview Street near George Ferguson Way and Ware Street on Thursday and found a woman with life-threatening injuries. She later died.

First-degree murder charges were laid against Inderjit Sandhu, 48, in the death of Kamaljit Sandhu on Friday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed. Officers said the accused and the deceased had two children, aged 16 and 21, who are now with their extended family.

Kamaljit’s death comes after Amber Culley, 43, and Mimi Kates, 49, were shot and killed in a Chilliwack home last week.

The suspect, Eric Shestalo, had previously had romantic relationships with the two victims.

Shestalo was on the run for days, but was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the Bridal Falls area.

2:14
Tragic circumstances surrounding the Chilliwack double murder

The RCMP said they have seen an increase in violent domestic incidents since the start of the pandemic.

“Intimate partner violence is, unfortunately, one of those crimes that is ongoing,” said Cpl. said Alexa Hodgins of the Burnaby RCMP.

“We saw a slight increase during the pandemic, which was mainly due to people being at home and we actually had neighbors reporting it more than individuals. And it continues even as we break free from restrictions. »

Angela Marie MacDougall of Battered Women’s Support Services said there have been more deaths from domestic violence this year in British Columbia.

« It’s so concerning, » she said. “More than last year, more than the year before, and so far no action has been taken in terms of government policies to increase services, both at the provincial and federal level.”

Recent figures from the Canadian Femicide Observatory show that 88 women and girls were killed in Canada in the first six months of 2022.

Most of the alleged perpetrators are men, according to the organization.

On average, a woman or girl is said to be killed every two days in Canada.

If you or someone you know is involved in an abusive situation, please visit the Canadian Resource Center for Victims of Crime to help. They can also be reached toll free at 1-877-232-2610.

2:11
Project tackles violence against racialized women