Murder charge laid in death of Vancouver woman

A Vancouver man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend earlier this year.

Vancouver Police announced the murder charge against Daniel Alphonse Paul, who fled an East Vancouver basement suite after allegedly killing Crystal Rose Paul on Jan. 29.

The body of the 36-year-old mother of five was found inside the suite on East 22nd near Main on March 3.

Police identified Daniel Paul, 42, as the suspect, but couldn’t locate him for several weeks.

“On April 1, after public appeals and an extensive search, patrol officers recognized Paul riding a bicycle on West Broadway near Yukon Street and arrested him without incident,” Vancouver Police Const. Brian Montague said in a release Wednesday.

“After Paul’s arrest, investigators continued to meticulously, methodically, and carefully gather the evidence needed to recommend charges.”

Daniel Paul made his first appearance on the murder charge in Vancouver Provincial Court Wednesday. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance July 13.

Vancouver police said earlier that Daniel Paul has a history of committing violent offences against women.