Arrest Made in Murder Investigation

Port Hardy
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File # 2012-2734 2012-09-10 10:45 PDT The Port Hardy RCMP, BC Coroner Service, and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) continue to investigate the apparent murder of a 28 year old Port Hardy woman. A suspect has been arrested and remains in police custody.

Shortly before 11:00 p.m. last night, the Port Hardy RCMP responded to a call for assistance from an abandoned house in the 100 block of Tsulquate Road in Port Hardy. The caller reported that a woman was in need of medical assistance. RCMP officers and British Columbia Ambulance Service Paramedics arrived at the location a short time later, where a woman was found to be in medical distress, the apparent victim of a physical assault.

The woman was transported to the Port Hardy Hospital a short time later. Shortly before 1:00 am this morning (September 10, 2012), investigators were notified that the victim had passed away at the Port Hardy Hospital. A forensic autopsy in the coming days will seek to determine a specific cause of death. She has been identified as 28 year old Cindy SCOW, of Port Hardy.

Based on investigative findings, a 19 year old Port Hardy man was arrested shortly before midnight on September 9th. He remains in police custody, and is expected make a court appearance and face homicide charge(s) later today. His name will not be released until he is formally charged.

An investigation involving the Port Hardy RCMP, VIIMCU, RCMP Forensic Identification Service, and the BC Coroner Service is ongoing. Investigators request that anyone with information about this investigation contact the Port Hardy RCMP at 250-949-6335, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).

This incident occurred on the Gwasala-Nakwaxdaxw First Nation. Investigators are conscious of the significant impact this death will have on this community, and remind anyone needing support that crisis workers and RCMP Victim Services are available help. To access this support, contact the Port Hardy RCMP.

Media enquiries related to this investigation should be directed to Cpl. Darren Lagan at 250-380-6174.