Charges of second-degree murder have been sworn against a 40-year-old Abbotsford man, after the body of his wife was found at the scene of a house fire on Wednesday.

The man appeared in person in Abbotsford Provincial Court Thursday afternoon to face the charges, and yesterday morning by video to set a date for his next appearance.

A ban has been issued against publication of the names of the man, the victim and their two children, as well as any details that would identify them, in order to protect the youth.

Abbotsford Police were called to the scene of the fire on Lefeuvre Road at about 9 a.m. Wednesday. They determined that the fatal injuries of the victim were not consistent with a fire death.

The Integrated Homicide Investigative Team (IHIT) was then called to take the lead on the murder investigation.

At about 10:45 a.m., Abbotsford Police received a call from the suspect, saying he wished to turn himself in. They and the Langley RCMP arrested him without incident in the 20600 block of Fraser Highway.

IHIT spokesperson Cpl. Dale Carr would not disclose where the man called from, but a law office is located in that area.

The couple lived on a rural property on the east side of Lefeuvre Road. Their two children, ages 10 and 15, were not harmed and are currently staying with relatives.

Carr said IHIT investigators and those from the Abbotsford Forensic Identification Section are now focused on piecing together what happened, including the history of the couple’s marriage.

“We’re still in the process of gathering a great deal of information inside of that residence.”

Carr said the fire was started on the inside of the home, and the extensive damage is making the job more difficult. Investigators must watch for debris and protect themselves from breathing toxic fumes.

Once their investigation is complete, arson investigators will be called in.

The suspect’s next appearance in Abbotsford Provincial Court is Nov. 23. At that time, results of the police investigation, if completed, will be disclosed.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT or phone anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.