Man charged with murder in Metrotown knife was in relationship with victim: police – BC | The Canadian News

Police say the man accused of fatally stabbing a 25-year-old woman near Metrotown in Burnaby, BC, last month was in a relationship with the victim.

Emergency crews found Melissa Blimkie shortly before noon on December 19 in a Metropole at the Metrotown Mall’s entrance suffering from stab wounds. She later died at the hospital.

Police confirmed an arrest in the case the next day and said on Wednesday that 31-year-old Everton Downey had been charged with second-degree murder.

“The two were in a relationship for some time before the murder,” the Integrated Murder Investigation Team said in a media statement.

Police said the investigation remains active and released a photo of Blimkie as they made a public appeal to anyone “who can provide more information about Everyton Downey’s relationship with Melissa.”

Around the time of the murder, RCMP said there were reports of other “serious offenses” in the area.

At the time, police also cordoned off a nearby apartment building at Dow Avenue and Beresford Street.

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