Story By: Vikki HOPES
Abbotsford News
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has confirmed that the victim of Wednesday’s homicide in Abbotsford is Leanne Friesen, 40, and that her estranged husband, Jeff, has been charged with her murder.
IHIT spokesman Cpl. Adam MacIntosh said that Abbotsford Police discovered Leanne’s body in the garage and she had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
“Although the Abbotsford Police and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team were able to bring this investigation to a formal charge, we recognize the tragedy and loss to this family,” he said.
Friesen, 40, remains in custody and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Abbotsford provincial court on Tuesday, Feb. 12.
The incident took place on Wednesday evening. Friesen was arrested at the scene.
A man who was a friend of Leanne’s told the Abbotsford News that she had separated from her husband, Jeff Wayne Friesen, a few months ago. Leanne remained in their home, and Jeff moved in with his parents.
The source said the couple had met in either Kelowna or Vernon, and had been married since about 2000.
Jeff is a contractor, and Leanne ran a home-cleaning business, he said.
The man described Leanne as “bubbly.”
“She was a really nice girl,” he said.
The couple had two children together, ages 10 and 13, and MacDonald said the kids were in the home at the time of the incident.
“I have been reassured they were not present for the discovery of the deceased,” he said.
Leanne Friesen was born in Kelowna and grew up in Peachland. She is the victim of Abbotsford’s first homicide of the year.
Her twin sister, Tammie, still lives in the Okanagan.
