Provincial Crown Counsel has approved first degree murder charges against 46-year-old Michael Martel of 100 Mile House in connection with the death of Vesna Dumstrey-Soos, 37.
According to police, Martel appeared before a Justice of the Peace Thursday afternoon and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Jan. 12 in 100 Mile House Provincial Court.
"The 100 Mile House RCMP wants to let the community of 100 Mile House know that they believe this to be an isolated incident where the two parties knew each other and the community is not at risk," police said in a news release. "If you feel you have been impacted in any way by this incident, please feel free to contact our RCMP Victim Services at 250-395-0456."
North District Major Crime Team Leader Sgt Todd Wiebe added through the coordinated effort of North District Major Crime, 100 Mile House RCMP Detachment, Cariboo Chilcotin Traffic Services, William's Lake Police Service Dog, Prince George Forensic Identification Section, and RCMP Air Services, this investigation progressed quickly resulting in the safe apprehension of the suspect.
Since this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and that of any future court process, police said.
Police discovered the victim in her home Monday morning after receiving a request by an employer requesting officers check on her welfare because she had not come to work as scheduled, which they said was out-of-character.