Garry Handlen has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with two cold cases dating back almost forty years.
Handlen, 67, is accused of killing two girls in homicide cases dating back to the 70s. Police announced the charges in the deaths of 11-year-old Kathryn-Mary Herbert and 12-year-old Monica Jack a week ago.
Jack was last seen riding her bike on May 6, 1978 near Nicola Lake. Her body was found in June 1995, north of Merritt.
Herbert disappeared in 1975 while heading to her Abbotsford home. A few months later her body was found on Matsqui First Nations property. In 2012, mother Shari Greer offered a $10,000 reward for information that would lead to an arrest.
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The news was greeted with both tears and relief from their families.
Investigators have not revealed any details about the evidence leading to the arrest or a possible motive.
Handlen was apprehended in Surrey, although he no longer lives in the province.
His previous criminal history includes rape and assault convictions.
Police say Handlen travelled extensively through B.C. and Alberta at the time and released his photograph from that era, asking the public to come forward with tips if it jogs any memories.
Handlen’s next court date is scheduled for March 2.
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