WARNING: This article contains details of alleged intimate partner violence.
A small community of about 8,000 people is mourning the loss of a beloved local nurse, whose estranged husband has been charged with her Monday death, which occurred just east of Trail, B.C.
RCMP say Lindsay Danchella, also known as Lindsay Batts, suffered fatal injuries after being assaulted on the front lawn of a Montrose residence, and died in hospital later in the day.
One of her close friends says it was the home of Danchella’s estranged husband, and that she had been there to hand over their two-year-old son as part of their custody arrangement.
The ex-husband in question, 46-year-old Donald James Danchella, was arrested by RCMP at the scene and has since been charged with second-degree murder.
The charge has not been proven in court. The 46-year-old is scheduled to appear next on Nov. 18.
Heather Wiley, who was a good friend of the victim, alleges the 44-year-old had been abused by her estranged husband.
“There’s a real general sense of disbelief that something so violent and tragic could occur in our own community,” said Wiley, speaking at a vigil held at Danchella’s workplace, Kiro Wellness Centre, on Wednesday.
Wiley, who has lived in Trail her whole life, said her family offered Danchella a place to stay after she left her husband and went into transitional housing.
Wiley said Danchella was well-loved at her work and in the community.
“In the world of give and take, Lindsay was the give. She was a big giver. She showed up always with something in hand,” Wiley said of her friend. “She was the bringer of gifts. She was the bringer of treats.”
She added that Danchella’s heart has been “bursting full of love” for her two-year-old son, and that she had done everything possible to take the high road in her relationship.
“And for this to be the outcome is completely unimaginable. And this community, I think our whole community is reacting to this,” Wiley said.
The victim’s friend said she wants to channel her grief into action, something she hopes resonates with her community.
“Change for our systems, change for women in need, change for domestic violence. It’s got it written all over it,” she said. “Something has to change because of this.”
For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services. If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.