Family member charged in stabbing that killed woman, injured man and toddler

A man is facing several criminal charges related to domestic violence after a triple stabbing in Surrey, B.C., that left one woman dead and seriously injured a toddler and another man on Tuesday.

Homicide investigators said Harpreet Singh is facing one charge of second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the attack at a townhouse complex in the Newton neighbourhood.

The woman, man and two-year-old child were stabbed inside one of the units just before 9 p.m. PT Tuesday, after a verbal argument escalated into a physical fight. The adults have been identified as Baljit Kaur and Jagjit Singh.

Kaur later died in hospital, while Jagjit Singh and the child survived with serious injuries.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) did not offer any further information on the relationships on Thursday, except to say the suspect and victims were immediate family members who all lived together in the Newton home.

An RCMP spokesperson said the suspect ran from the scene of the stabbings late Tuesday but was quickly arrested nearby.

Harpreet Singh was charged Wednesday. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Oct. 29.

"This began as a verbal altercation involving family members that ultimately ended with the tragic loss of a life," IHIT Sgt. Frank Jang wrote in a statement Thursday.

"Incidents such as these, when children are involved, are especially emotionally difficult and we will continue to provide support to those affected by this tragedy."

If you need help and are in immediate danger, call 911. To find assistance in your area, visit sheltersafe.ca or http://endingviolencecanada.org/getting-help.