Police have finally made an arrest in a 2015 homicide.
Hazel Budiongan was found dead inside her West Kelowna home back on November 4, 2015 after RCMP responded to a fire in a residence on Boucherie Road.
The death of the 37-year-old woman and the blaze was considered suspicious.
Now, more than a year and a half later, her 57-year-old husband, Kevin Costin, has been arrested for the alleged murder of Budiogan.
Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says police made the arrest on May 26.
“Costin has been charged with second degree murder, arson and indignity to human remains. He is scheduled to appear in Kelowna Law Courts on May 29.”
According to Insp. Anna Marie Mallard, the Regional Operations Officer, the 18-month-long investigation has identified Costin as the person alleged to be responsible for the West Kelowna woman’s death and charges have been approved by Crown Counsel.
“Both Hazel and her family deserved this,” says Mallard. “By finding who was responsible we are hopeful of providing a sense of closure for Hazel’s loved ones and answers to the community that was affected by this terrible tragedy,” she adds.
Budiongan was originally from the Philippines and leaves behind one son.