A 55-year-old accused has been detained by the court and is scheduled to appear on November 10. Investigators say he and the victim knew each other.
A 55-year-old Chilliwack man has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of a 52-year-old woman at a residence in the city.
Chilliwack RCMP officers responded at approximately 8:09 p.m. on November 6, 2026, to a residence in the 46000 block of Mellard Avenue. Officers found the woman at the scene, where she was pronounced dead.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation, working with Chilliwack RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service and the BC Coroners Service.
The BC Prosecution Service approved one count of second-degree murder against Kristopher John Hayward on November 7. The accused has been detained by the court and is next scheduled to appear on November 10.
Investigators believe the accused and the victim knew each other and say the incident was not random.
“We are saddened by this tragedy,” said IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong. She said investigators continue to support the victim’s family as the investigation and prosecution process proceed.
As the case is before the courts, no further information will be released.
