A 63-year-old Creston man has been charged with second degree murder in the death of a 56-year-old woman found inside her home last month.
The BC Prosecution Service has identified the victim as Julia Howe. An obituary published last month said she was born in Creston and worked as a school bus driver. She is survived by her father, four siblings, four children, and four grandchildren.
Police say her body was found on Feb. 6.
“Although initially believed to be a natural death, investigators worked tirelessly on this matter, and have since determined it to be a homicide,” Sgt. Chris Manseau said in a news release. “A suspect was later identified, and has since been arrested and charged.”
Police didn’t say how they determined the case was a homicide, but once that happened the RCMP Southeast District major crime unit took over.
On Wednesday, Mitchell Earl McIntyre was arrested. He made an initial court appearance today and will be held in custody pending his next appearance on March 28.
Police say McIntyre and Howe are believed to have known each other.
The cause of death has not been released.
