Woman's boyfriend charged with 2nd-degree murder in Metrotown mall stabbing

The victim of a fatal stabbing at the Metrotown Mall in Burnabythis past December has been identified as 25-year-old Melissa Blimkieof North Vancouver.

Blimkie's boyfriend,Everton Downey, 31, has been charged with second-degree murder, according to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

Blimkie wasattackedDec.19 at around 11:40 a.m. in the mall parkade. Shelater succumbed to her injuries in hospital.

IHIT said the two were in a relationship for some timebefore the homicide.

"This is an unimaginable loss for the friends and family of Melissa," said Sgt. David Lee of IHIT."We hope that this outcome provides them with some answers."

IHIT said Burnaby RCMPand theMetro Vancouver Transit Police were instrumental in containing and arresting Downey, who remains in custody.

Although a charge has been laid, the investigation continues.Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email atihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.