A 33-year-old man from Richmond, B.C., has been charged with second-degree murder after police found his partner fatally injured on Friday. The case is being seen as another tragic sign of rising gender-based violence in the province.
Police say the suspect, George Dragnea, was arrested after officers responded to a call in the 8600 block of Capstan Way. This area is home to many apartment buildings and a busy shopping center.
When police arrived, they found a 51-year-old woman with serious injuries. She was pronounced dead soon after. Dragnea was taken into custody and charged the next day. The charge is still to be tested in court.
The investigation is being handled by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). Officials say this appears to be a case involving only the accused and the victim, who were in a personal relationship. They added that there is no risk to the public at this time.
Despite the official statement, women’s safety groups are speaking out. They argue that calling the case “isolated” ignores the bigger issue of growing violence against women and girls.
Angela Marie MacDougall, who leads Battered Women’s Support Services, disagrees with the way the case is being described. She said such attacks are not random, private, or unpreventable.
“This kind of violence is public, it is part of a pattern, and it can be stopped,” MacDougall said.
She also pointed out that framing these incidents as “personal” or “isolated” can prevent society from addressing the root causes. Groups like hers have been calling for more action from local leaders to protect women and prevent more deaths.
This recent case follows another similar tragedy in Kelowna, B.C., just two weeks earlier. In that case, James Plover was charged with second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Bailey Plover. The attack happened in a public place and sparked outrage across the province.
Advocates say these back-to-back cases highlight the need for urgent change. They are calling for better legal protection, more shelter space, and increased funding for support services.
Violence in close relationships, often known as intimate partner violence, continues to rise in many parts of Canada. Experts say the problem is made worse by underreporting, weak law enforcement, and a lack of public awareness.
Groups working in this field want the government to treat gender-based violence as a public health crisis. They also want more education in schools and workplaces to teach people how to recognize warning signs.
Angela MacDougall said change won’t come until the system starts treating this as a major social issue. She believes that stronger community programs, better support for victims, and harsher punishments for offenders can save lives.
As this case moves through the court system, many are watching to see what steps local and provincial leaders will take. For now, the death of another woman in B.C. adds to a growing list of tragedies that advocacy groups say could have been prevented.
