Man, 22, charged with second-degree murder in death of mother on Salt Spring Island

Man, 22, charged with second-degree murder in death of mother on Salt Spring Island
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Salt Spring Island resident Heather Jones in a 2016 photo. (Credit: Facebook).

Salt Spring Island resident Heather Jones in a 2016 photo. (Credit: Facebook).

A 22-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his mother on Salt Spring Island.

Heather Jones’ body was found at a duplex on Maliview Drive on Salt Spring Island on Dec. 6.

Jones’ son, Martin Vandenberg, was arrested in connection with her death. He was then released from police custody and apprehended under the Mental Health Act.

On Jan. 5, Vandenberg was arrested again without incident by members of the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit.

Vandenberg’s father, who shares the same name as his son, said he and Jones took their son to the hospital the day before Jones’ death.

According to Vandenberg’s father, by the time a mental health worker approached the family, Vandenberg was no longer willing to be helped and walked out the door. 

Jones was the owner of Amber Cab Co. on Salt Spring Island and was well known on the island.

Heather Jones outside her cab in a 2014 photo. (Credit: Facebook).

We understand that the news of Heather’s death was shocking to all those who knew her and to the close-knit community of Salt Spring Island. We would like to thank the community of Salt Spring for their assistance and support throughout this investigation,  Sgt. John Ferguson of the Vancouver Island Major Crime Unit said in a release.

Vandenberg is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 9.

A duplex on Maliview Drive was seen behind police tape on Dec. 7 after a woman was found dead at the residence.

A duplex on Maliview Drive was seen behind police tape on Dec. 7, a day after Heather Jones was found dead at the residence.

 

 

 

Alexa HuffmanAlexa Huffman

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