One man has now been charged in the Dec. 13 stabbing death of a North Vancouver woman in the Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood.
The victim is identified in court documents as Dominga Santos, 68.
The Crown has now sworn one charge of second-degree murder against Anthony Santos Del Rosario, a 46-year-old relative from North Vancouver.
“It is believed he is the nephew of the victim,” said Sgt. Timothy Pierotti, IHIT spokesperson. “Unfortunately, it is a very tragic incident.”
Pierotti could not say what Del Rosario was doing at his aunt’s apartment or what happened in the moments leading up to the stabbing, although he said the suspect is known to police.
“I know that [investigators] are out there speaking to all the neighbours and anybody that knew either party. They're hoping that we can get some more insight on what could have led to this,” he said.
Police were called to the third-floor apartment at 225 West Third St. around 11 a.m. and found Santos suffering from apparent stab wounds.
“Police and BC Ambulance Service immediately began lifesaving measures, but the woman was later pronounced deceased on scene,” a release from the North Vancouver RCMP stated on Tuesday.
North Vancouver RCMP arrested Del Rosario in the apartment and took him into custody. He and Santos were the only ones there at the time, although Pierotti said it was someone else who called 911.
Del Rosario has been held in custody. A mandatory publication ban covers everything disclosed during a bail hearing held Wednesday morning, but the accused is due back in North Vancouver Provincial Court for an appearance on Dec. 21.
People left feeling traumatized by the incident can call the North Vancouver RCMP’s victim services unit, Pierotti said.
“I know that a situation like this can have an effect on an entire community, the building, everyone within North Vancouver,” he said.
IHIT is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators through their tip line 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email the team at [email protected].
“We're still working to speak to as many people as possible,” Pierotti said.
