55-year-old Chilliwack man charged with murder in death of 52-year-old woman: IHIT

CHILLIWACK – Homicide detectives say a 55-year-old Chilliwack man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a 52-year-old woman on Friday, Nov. 6.

According to a statement from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, Chilliwack RCMP officers attended a residence on Friday, Nov. 6, at 8:09 p.m. in the 46000 block of Mellard Avenue in Chilliwack.

Upon arrival, officers located a woman, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

IHIT has assumed conduct of the investigation and, in partnership with Chilliwack RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) and the BC Coroners Service, worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the woman.

Three police vehicles attended the 46000 block of Mellard Avenue over the weekend. An RCMP vehicle with a Forensic Identification Services badge on its dashboard was seen on Mellard Avenue Sunday.

Fraser Valley Today inquired Monday morning about three police vehicles seen in the 46000 block of Mellard Avenue Sunday, including a forensics vehicle. A Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson said Monday she could not release any information about the incident.

Forensic personnel attended the 46000 block of Mellard Avenue over the weekend. (Image Credit: Mike Vanden Bosch.)

On November 7, 2026, the BC Prosecution Service approved one count of second-degree murder against 55-year-old Kristopher John Hayward of Chilliwack.

The accused has been detained by the court and is next scheduled to appear on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Investigators believe the accused and victim were known to each other and that this was not a random incident.

“We are saddened by this tragedy,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “Through the coordinated efforts of Chilliwack RCMP, IHIT, and IFIS, we were able to advance the investigation and meet the charge approval standard within 24 hours of deploying. While charges have now been laid, there is still much work to be done as we continue to support the victim’s grieving family and move forward with the prosecution process.”

As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released, IHIT said.