Man accused of second degree murder of wife in West Kelowna dies

A man accused of second degree murder in West Kelowna has died before his trial could begin.

Kevin Costin, was arrested and charged with second degree murder, arson and indignity to human remains in the death of his wife, 37-year-old Hazel Budiongan.

He was charged two years after her body was found in a house fire at their home at 2311 Boucherie Road in West Kelowna.

Her death was determined to be a homicide in March 2016.

READ MORE: Man charged in 2015 West Kelowna murder of his new wife

Costin died Feb. 3, at Victoria General Hospital, according to his obituary.

He was released on bail Aug. 28, 2020.  The trial was scheduled to begin with jury selection on May 3, 2021, said Dan McLaughlin, communications counsel with the B.C. Prosecution Service.

The B.C. Prosecution Service did not confirm Costin’s death. The B.C. Coroner's Service and Kelowna RCMP did not immediately return request for comment.

– This story was updated at 3:30 p.m. to include additional information from the B.C. Prosecution Service.

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