SURREY, B.C. — Two men have been charged with first-degree murder of a British Columbia woman in a case that police say represents a prime example of gang violence spreading across the province.
Twenty-three-year-old Ekene Anigbo of Vancouver and 23-year-old Jalen Falk of Burnaby, B.C., have both been charged in the death of Kathleen Richardson in Naramata, B.C., in June of 2021.
Richardson was found dead in her home by police who were following up on an investigation into the double homicide of brothers Erick and Carlos Fryer the month before.
Richardson's son, Wade Cudmore, would go on to be charged with first-degree murder in the brothers' deaths.
A second man accused in the Fryer brothers' deaths has not been found by police.
At a news conference Monday, RCMP say several others were identified and arrested as co-conspirators in the homicides and all have been released without charges.
"These criminal alliances and acts of violence crossed multiple jurisdictions, which made it necessary for our investigative response to also cross boundaries," Chief Supt. Elija Rain with the B.C. RCMP major crime unit said in a statement.
"Our dedicated police units emphasize our common goal and commitment in making sure that these perpetrators involved in the conflict are held accountable for putting our communities in extreme danger."
Supt. Brian Hunter with the Penticton RCMP said Richardson's murder has been devastating for her family, friends and the entire community of Naramata.
"I hope that the news of these arrests can start the healing process and bring some closure to everyone impacted by these tragedies," he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2023
The Canadian Press
