Warning: Graphic content The man accused of killing a beloved mother and grandmother from the Fraser Valley is the victim’s estranged husband, according to her family. Kristopher John Hayward, 55, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Kitty Lou Hayward, who was 52. Their daughter, Crystal Burton, was one of about two dozen family and friends in Chilliwack court Tuesday, as Kristopher Hayward made a brief appearance. She told CTV News that her mom had been attending college to become a social worker before her life was cut short. “She wanted to help everybody. She even was going to start a job volunteering at one of the thrift stores here in Chilliwack. It’s what she loved to do; she loved to help the community,” said Burton, speaking of her mom. On Nov. 6, Chilliwack RCMP officers attended a residence in the 46000 block of Mellard Avenue, where they found Kitty Hayward. She was pronounced dead at the scene. “A beautiful soul was taken for no reason. She deserves to be here,” said her daughter. Burton, who said she’s been estranged from her father for years, told CTV News that her mom and dad met in high school and married in 1992, but had recently separated. “They were separated for a few months, and then she moved to her own place on Nov. 1,” she said. Kristopher Hayward’s sister, who said she cut off contact with her brother eleven years ago, was also in court to support Burton. “This has been a living nightmare,” Penny Rempel said. “My emotions right now, I am just so numb, and I am angry ... I just can’t feel anything else right now, other than just pure anger.” The accused remains in custody and returns to court on Dec. 8. The charge against him has not been proven in court.
