Two Abbotsford residents have been charged with first degree murder in a stabbing death on Hopedale Avenue on Friday morning.

Michael Allan Froese, 25, and Melissa Linda Cox, 28, are expected to appear in Abbotsford Provincial Court Monday afternoon in connection to the stabbing of a 36-year-old man at a home in the 31900 block of Hopedale around 8:40 a.m.

The victim, Paul “Pockets” Johnathon Denis, was treated on scene and rushed to hospital, but later died of his injuries.

Investigators determined the victim and the accused were known to each other, said Cpl. Dale Carr of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).

A motive for the murder has not yet been established and it’s not known if the stabbing is linked to drugs, gangs or organized crime, Carr said.

Both the victim and home have an extensive history with police.

The accused also have had run-ins with the law.

Cox has pleaded guilty to a number of breaches of probation, theft under $5,000, and possession of stolen property under $5,000.

Froese faces previous charges of assault, uttering threats, and theft under $5,000, and has previously pleaded guilty to resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

Violent party

In an unrelated event, another stabbing occurred in Mission over the weekend.

Two teens are in hospital with injuries after a party got out of control Sunday morning around 1:45 a.m. in the 32400 block of Badger Avenue.

The party was still in progress when police responded to a call about a possible fight involving knives and guns, said Mission RCMP Cpl. Raina Siou.

The party was spilling out onto the street, and there were about 50 heavily intoxicated people outside, she added.

The victims are both 18 years old, and one refused to cooperate with police.

They both sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Neighbours in the area also reported vandalism to their property. Vehicle tires were slashed and windows were broken, according to police, who are continuing to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161.

– with files from Carol Aun, Mission City Record