A Richmond, B.C. man is charged with killing his partner, amid a disturbing rise in intimate partner violence across the province, advocates warn.
B.C. Man Accused in Fatal Domestic Assault
A 33-year-old Richmond man, George Dragnea, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a 51-year-old woman, believed to be his intimate partner. The charge was announced Saturday by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), following an emergency call to Capstan Way on Friday.
Woman Pronounced Dead After Emergency Response
Richmond RCMP responded to a distress call reporting a woman with severe injuries in the 8600 block of Capstan Way—a mixed-use urban area lined with apartment buildings and retail outlets. The woman was transported to hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The suspect was arrested the following day.
IHIT described the case as “an isolated incident,” stating that the parties involved were in a relationship and that no broader public risk exists. The charge has not been proven in court.
Advocates Dispute “Isolated” Label
Violence prevention advocates strongly dispute the notion that the incident is isolated. Angela Marie MacDougall, executive director of Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS), called the killing part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence in British Columbia.
“The system frames these as private tragedies, but they’re neither random nor inevitable—they’re preventable,” MacDougall said in an interview.
Series of Recent Attacks Raise Alarm
MacDougall noted that since the end of June, at least five women have been killed and three more seriously injured across B.C. in incidents linked to alleged intimate partner violence.
“This is a spike. It signals a serious public safety crisis that demands immediate intervention,” she added.
The Richmond case comes just weeks after another high-profile incident in Kelowna, where James Plover was charged with second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Bailey Plover, during a public altercation.
Report Reveals Systemic Failures
A recent provincial report authored by lawyer Kim Stanton shows that nearly half of women in B.C.—48 percent—have experienced intimate partner violence since the age of 15. Commissioned by the province and released in June 2025, the report criticizes the lack of accountability and coordination across ministries in addressing the issue.
Stanton recommended declaring gender-based violence a provincial epidemic and appointing a commissioner with oversight power, warning that previous recommendations have been neglected due to fragmented leadership.
Provincial Response Under Scrutiny
B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma said following the report’s release that the government would “immediately” review legal system reforms and improve services for survivors. Commitments include expanding culturally safe victim support, improved training for justice personnel, and changes to the Family Law Act to better address family and intimate partner violence.
However, advocates like MacDougall remain skeptical. “Unless governments act decisively and fund long-term prevention, women will continue to die,” she said.
Call for Coordinated Prevention Strategy
MacDougall is urging all levels of government to collaborate on a formal task force to address gender-based violence. She also highlighted BWSS’s five-part prevention plan, which includes:
- Age-appropriate education on respectful relationships
- Standardized risk assessments in courts
- Expanded survivor services
- Public awareness campaigns
- Stronger legal protections
“Women living in fear today deserve to know their province cares—and will act,” she concluded.
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