An investigation is underway by British Columbia’s police watchdog agency following the tragic death of a woman in Merritt earlier this month, with suspicions of intimate partner violence surrounding the case.
The Independent Investigations Office has taken on the case after concerns were raised by an advocacy group regarding the handling of intimate partner violence allegations involving a local woman who tragically lost her life on December 16.
The victim, identified as 45-year-old Pamela Jarvis, was discovered at a Merritt residence by law enforcement and medical responders following a distress call. Sustaining severe injuries, she succumbed to her wounds after being transported to the hospital.
The suspect, Christopher Jarvis, initially fled the scene but was apprehended by authorities shortly after. He has since been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the incident.
According to reports, police had been actively investigating allegations of intimate partner violence involving the victim prior to her untimely death. The Independent Investigations Office is now probing into potential connections between police actions or inactions and the tragic outcome, with a focus on determining if any offenses have been committed.