After a 64-year-old woman was found dead in her home earlier this week, police said on Friday that the woman’s 21-year-old son is now facing a charge of second-degree murder in connection with her death.
The charges come after Squamish RCMP responded to the woman’s residence shortly before midnight on April 1 for reports that a family member had found her body inside the home.
Police determined that the woman, who has now been identified as Barbara Waite, “had met with foul play,” and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in to take control of the case.
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A short time after the report came in to the Sea to Sky RCMP, Waite’s 21-year-old son, Ryan Grantham, was taken into custody in Vancouver by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) in relation to her death.
He was later charged with second-degree murder by the BC Prosecution Service.
“Investigators faced a dynamic and challenging situation at the onset of the investigation, which required clear inter-agency communication and coordination,” said IHIT Sgt. Frank Jang. “IHIT is grateful for the efforts of the Sea to Sky RCMP and the VPD for laying the groundwork for the investigation.”
Although a charge has now been laid, police said the investigation is “still in its infancy” and IHIT investigators are actively completing priority tasks and collecting further evidence with the assistance of the Sea to Sky RCMP, the VPD, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service.
In addition, police are asking anyone who has not yet come forward and may have information to share to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or reach out by email.
Those who wish to leave an anonymous tip can do so by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Grantham will make his next appearance in BC Provincial Court (Vancouver) on April 9, 2020.
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