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Updated: Homicide charge laid after woman found dead in West Vancouver home

A charge of second-degree murder has been laid against Michael Dean Boretsky, 39, says IHIT.
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A police investigation led to the arrest of someone in a West Vancouver apartment, after a body was found early Dec. 13. |West Vancouver Police. File photo/North Shore News

—Update Dec. 14, 2:30 p.m.—

A suspect has been charged with homicide in the death of a woman found dead in an apartment in Ambleside on Friday, according to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).

A charge of second-degree murder has been laid against Michael Dean Boretsky, 39, an IHIT news release sent Saturday states.

On Dec. 13 at about 1 a.m., the West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD) went to check on the well-being of a 911 caller in the Ambleside District of West Vancouver.

When they arrived at the apartment, they found the body of a woman whose injuries appeared suspicious, according to the release.

Another person at the apartment was arrested.

IHIT took over the investigation, working with the WVPD, the Lower Mainland Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service, the release states.

Later, on Dec. 13, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) laid the charge of second-degree murder against Boretsky.

“We believe that this was a tragic incident of family violence. As the parties were known to one another, investigators believe this to be an isolated event,” said Cpl. Esther Tupper of IHIT. 

“IHIT would like to thank WVPD, IFIS and the BC Coroners Service for their assistance in advancing this investigation.”

IHIT continues to ask anyone with information about this incident to contact IHIT directly at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at [email protected].

The release states that as this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released.

—Original story posted on Dec. 13—

A person was discovered deceased early this morning in a West Vancouver apartment, police say.

According to a West Vancouver Police (WVPD) news release, the death is believed to be a homicide.

Police officers discovered the person's body after being called to check on the well-being of a 911 caller in the Ambleside District.

A police investigation led to the arrest of someone in the apartment.

“We want to assure the public that there is no ongoing risk to their safety," said WVPD spokesperson Sgt. Chris Bigland, in the release.

“At this time, the investigation is in the evidence-gathering phase, and it is believed to be an isolated incident."

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the investigation and is working closely with members of the West Vancouver Police Department, the release states.

IHIT is the law enforcement agency responsible for investigating homicides, suspicious deaths, and high-risk missing persons where foul play is suspected.

West Vancouver Police urge anyone who was in the area of the 1400 block of Esquimalt Ave. around 1 a.m. Dec. 13 to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or [email protected].