Family relieved with arrests

Photo: Contributed

Willy Bartz

The family of a man who was murdered in a Vernon apartment is relieved an arrest has been made.

On June 19, 2017 Willy Bartz was found dead in his apartment in Sundance Suites.

Police conducted a lengthy investigation into Bartz's death, and earlier this week announced two people have been arrested - a 40-year-old woman and a 45-year-old male, both from Vernon.

According to court documents a Richard William Fairgrieve and Jacqueline Nicole Leavins were in Vernon Law Courts Monday on the charge of murder.

Teresa Bartz said they are happy an arrest was finally made

“We are very pleased that the Vernon RCMPs hard work resulted in these arrests. It was a long painful wait and sometimes frustrating but it was worth it . We look forward to the trial and Willy getting justice,” Teresa told Castanet.

“Willie was a very kind person, dearly loved. He never met a stranger. He made friends wherever he went,” said Teresa.

Willie, 50, had lived in Vernon for several years, but it was 27 years ago when his life took a significant turn.

“He was run over by a car in 1989, which gave him brain damage and physical damage to his left side,” said Willy's father, Zeke. “They didn't expect him to live, but he did. He had a really rough time throughout his life. He walked like he was drunk and he was even thrown in jail for it until they (police) realized he was telling them the truth. It was pretty sad. He had a very sad life, but he was loved by everybody he met.”