File photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Victor Kaisar

Murder Charge

UPDATE: Merritt man facing second-degree murder charge in death of his wife

Dec 18, 2025 | 7:45 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — (UPDATE 3:45 p.m.): BC RCMP have confirmed that a 49-year-old Merritt man is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his wife.

A statement from the RCMP says paramedics and police arrived at a house in Merritt on Tuesday, Dec. 16 where they found 45-year-old Pamela Jarvis with “significant injuries.” Pamela was taken to hospital where police say she succumbed to her injuries.

“The suspect fled the residence prior to police arrival but was subsequently located and arrested and he remains in custody,” a statement from the RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit said.

Police say Christopher Bernard Jarvis remains in custody with his next court appearance scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026. He was charged on Wednesday, the same day he made his first court appearance.

“The securing of charge approval was the result of a quick response from Merritt RCMP Front Line Officers and the ongoing investigation involving investigators from the Southeast District Major Crime Unit, BC RCMP Forensic Identification Services and RCMP Police Dog Services,” S/Sgt. Jason Smart of the Southeast District Major Crime Unit said in a statement.

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While its not clear what happened Tuesday, police note it was an isolated incident with no risk to the public.

An online fundraiser has been set up to help support Pamela’s six children. As of publishing, it had raised $33,715 of its $35,000 goal.

“For Pam, her children were her everything,” organizer Leanne Dixon said on GoFundMe. “Every child, every sport, every moment. Please help be the family they need right now and beyond, for her.

“This page can give them a bit of security, showing that we as a community (and beyond) have them…in any small or big way you can afford.”

The Southeast District Major Crime Unit is continuing to investigate Pamela’s death.