Skip to content

Cordova Bay deaths were murder-suicide: Saanich police

Two people found dead inside a burning Cordova Bay home on April 21 are being identified as Peter Khurana, 58, and Julie Cox, 56.
3961saanich4904CordovaBayRd1
Fire broke out at 4904 Cordova Bay Rd. early Tuesday morning. Saanich Fire discovered two bodies when they put out fire.

Two people found dead inside a burning Cordova Bay home on April 21 are being identified as Peter Khurana, 58, and Julie Cox, 56.

Saanich Police Department released the information on Wednesday after media reports identified the couple and Cox’s family spoke openly about the deaths and a history of domestic abuse.

The couple were both found dead inside the home after a neighbour reported seeing smoke coming from the home at 4904 Cordova Bay Rd.

“It is apparent the incident took place within the home that resulted in the death of one of the deceased,” said Saanich Police Sgt. Steve Eassie. “The other deceased appears to have taken their own life at some time following the incident.”

Eassie said the fire and other damage made identification of the bodies difficult and time-consuming. He said police had conducted a comprehensive examination and search of the scene and the home was released to a family member of one of the deceased last week.

Eassie confirmed there was no apparent risk to the public and said police won’t be sharing further information about the specific causes of death.

“We will not be sharing information about the mechanism of the deaths,” Eassie said. “The evidence located at the crime scene supports the events were confined to the inside of the residence.”

Anyone who may have information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

editor@saanichnews.com