Happy that its over: Accused killer of Vernon man dies amid lengthy court case [Video]

A Lake Country woman is feeling a sense of relief after receiving a call that the person accused of killing her brother died in custody.

After almost seven years of court hearings and heartache, Teresa Bartz is finally getting the justice she feels is owed to her brother.

“I’m just really happy that it’s over,” said Bartz.

Richard Fairgrieve, the man accused of killing 50-year-old Willy Bartz passed away over the weekend in custody, a form of justice the family believes the courts couldn’t give them.

“Had he lived he would’ve gotten out, and probably hurt more people so I think we got the justice we needed for Willy,” said Bartz.

In June 2017 Bartz’s brother was found dead in his apartment on 43rd Avenue in Vernon. Fairgrieve was arrested 18 months after the body was found.

Over the seven-year case, Fairgrieve never stood trial due to brain damage caused by a series of strokes. The B.C. Review …