Chilliwack murder charges against a 55-year-old man brought grieving family members into a packed courtroom on Tuesday.
Kristopher John Hayward faces a second-degree murder charge following the death of 52-year-old Kitty Lou Hayward. Chilliwack RCMP officers responded to a residence in the 46000 block of Mellard Avenue on Nov. 6 at 8:09 p.m., according to a statement from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
Authorities found Kitty Hayward deceased at the scene, prompting IHIT to take charge of the investigation alongside local police, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service, and the BC Coroners Service.
Online court records show the case carries a “K” designation, denoting alleged intimate partner violence, according to The Canadian Press reporting via NanaimoNewsNOW. Kristopher Hayward was charged with the murder on Saturday and made his first appearance in Chilliwack court on Tuesday, where about two dozen family and friends filled the room.
Family members described a deep personal loss during the court proceedings. Crystal Burton said that her mother had been attending college to become a social worker and planned to start volunteering at a local thrift store.
“She wanted to help everybody. She even was going to start a job volunteering at one of the thrift stores here in Chilliwack. It’s what she loved to do; she loved to help the community,” Burton told CTV News.
Burton added that her parents met in high school and married in 1992 before separating after a few months, with her mother moving into her own place on Nov. 1.
“A beautiful soul was taken for no reason. She deserves to be here,” Burton said.
Did You Know? Kitty Lou Hayward had recently moved into her own residence on Nov. 1 following a separation from her estranged husband, just days before Chilliwack RCMP officers found her dead at a Mellard Avenue home.
The accused's sister expresses anger and numbness
Penny Rempel, the sister of the accused, also attended the court appearance to support Burton. Rempel said that she had cut off contact with her brother eleven years prior.
“This has been a living nightmare,” Rempel told CTV News. “My emotions right now, I am just so numb, and I am angry … I just can’t feel anything else right now, other than just pure anger.”
Next Legal Steps in Chilliwack
The accused remains in custody following his brief appearance. Court documents indicate he is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 8. Authorities emphasize that the second-degree murder charge against Kristopher Hayward has not been proven in court.
Questions about the Mellard Avenue investigation
When did police respond to the Mellard Avenue residence?
Chilliwack RCMP officers attended a residence in the 46000 block of Mellard Avenue on Friday, Nov. 6, at 8:09 p.m., where they located Kitty Hayward.
What specific charge does Kristopher John Hayward face?
Kristopher John Hayward is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 52-year-old Kitty Lou Hayward.
When is the accused scheduled to return to court?
The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Dec. 8.
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