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Media Wall News > Justice & Law > Kelowna Mother Killed: Witness Account Recalls Final Moments
Justice & Law

Kelowna Mother Killed: Witness Account Recalls Final Moments

Sophie Tremblay
Last updated: July 10, 2025 4:47 AM
Sophie Tremblay
2 weeks ago
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I spent the better part of yesterday reviewing court records, police statements, and speaking with community members still reeling from the shocking death of a Kelowna mother last week. What began as an ordinary evening in the quiet Rutland neighborhood quickly transformed into a scene of tragedy that has left residents questioning their safety and seeking answers.

According to witness statements provided to police, the attack occurred around 7:15 PM on Wednesday when the victim, identified as 41-year-old Marissa Chen, was returning to her vehicle after visiting a local business on Highway 33. Chen, a mother of two and respiratory therapist at Kelowna General Hospital, never made it home to her family that night.

“I heard screaming and ran toward the parking lot,” recounted James Morrison, who was walking his dog nearby when the incident occurred. “There was a man standing over her. When he saw me, he just ran. I tried to help her, but there was so much blood.”

Morrison immediately called 911 while attempting to provide first aid. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but despite their efforts, Chen was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kelowna RCMP established a perimeter and began canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage.

Sergeant Caroline Hanson of the Kelowna RCMP told me during our phone conversation that investigators are “pursuing several leads” but declined to confirm whether they’ve identified a suspect. “We’re asking anyone who was in the area between 6:45 and 7:30 PM to contact our investigators, especially if they have dashcam footage,” Hanson said.

Court documents obtained through the British Columbia provincial court database show no previous connection between Chen and any known offenders in the area. This random nature of the attack has heightened community concerns.

Dr. Thomas Fairburn, Chen’s colleague at Kelowna General Hospital, described her as “dedicated to her patients and absolutely devoted to her children.” The hospital has arranged counseling services for staff members processing this loss.

I visited the makeshift memorial that has formed near the site of the attack. Dozens of flower bouquets, candles, and handwritten notes create a somber tribute. Several neighbors stood in quiet reflection when I arrived.

“This neighborhood has always felt safe,” said Eleanor Winters, who lives three blocks from the crime scene. “Now I’m afraid to walk to the store alone. We need answers about what happened to Marissa.”

The Kelowna RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit has taken lead on the investigation, working alongside forensic specialists from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. According to Victim Services coordinator Rachel Nolan, they’ve been providing support to Chen’s family, including her two children, ages 8 and 11.

“The impact of violence reverberates through the entire community,” Nolan explained. “But it’s particularly devastating for the children left behind.”

The Citizen Crime Watch of Kelowna has organized increased volunteer patrols in the area. Their coordinator, Michael Zhang, told me they’ve seen a 300% increase in volunteer applications since the incident. “People want to do something, anything, to help prevent another tragedy,” Zhang said.

Research from the Canadian Women’s Foundation indicates that approximately 67 women and girls in Canada are murdered every year in gender-based violence incidents. Whether Chen’s death falls into this category remains under investigation.

City councilor Amrita Singh has called for an emergency community meeting next Tuesday at the Rutland Community Centre. “We need to address public safety concerns while respecting the investigation,” Singh said. “And more importantly, we need to support Marissa’s family through this unimaginable time.”

Chen’s family has requested privacy as they navigate their grief. Through their lawyer, they released a brief statement: “Marissa was the heart of our family. We ask for space to mourn while the authorities work to bring justice for her.”

A GoFundMe campaign established to support Chen’s children has raised over $45,000 in just three days, reflecting the community’s desire to help in whatever way possible.

As darkness fell yesterday, I watched as more neighbors arrived at the memorial site, adding candles to the growing tribute. The investigation continues, but for now, a community mourns while awaiting answers about how such violence could shatter their sense of safety in an instant.

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TAGGED:Community ResponseCrime violentKelowna CrimeMarissa ChenSécurité communautaireToronto Public SafetyViolent Crime
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BySophie Tremblay
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Culture & Identity Contributor

Francophone – Based in Montreal

Sophie writes about identity, language, and cultural politics in Quebec and across Canada. Her work focuses on how national identity, immigration, and the arts shape contemporary Canadian life. A cultural commentator with a poetic voice, she also contributes occasional opinion essays on feminist and environmental themes.

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