Interior man charged with murder in death of missing woman

A Quesnel man has been arrested and is to be charged with murder following the homicide of a missing woman.

According to RCMP, on Jan. 4, officers began to search for Carmelita Abraham, who had not been seen or heard from since Dec. 27 or 28. Investigators confirmed that Abraham left Williams Lake for Quesnel on one of those days.

On Jan. 10, investigators from the North District Major Crimes Unit took control of the case. They were assisted by Quesnel and Williams Lake RCMP, the Cariboo Crime Reduction Unit, the North District General Investigation Section and Forensic Identification Sections.

Based on new info, the investigation went from a missing person's case to a homicide. On Jan. 13, 51-year-old Joseph Simpson was arrested.

The next day, the BC Prosecution Service charged Simpson with murder and indignity to human remains in relation to the death of Abraham. Simpson has been held in custody and is expected in court at a future date.

“This is a tragic incident that occurred between Joseph Simpson and Carmelita Abraham who were known to one another," said Superintendent Sanjaya Wijayakoon. "We would like to extend our appreciation for the assistance and support from businesses and witnesses in this matter.”

No further information will be released at this time.