Saanich murder victim remembered as devoted mother, passionate instructor
Published 3:10 pm Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Greater Victoria organizations are sharing their grief after a local woman was killed in an alleged intimate partner violence incident in Saanich.
“This tragedy represents far more than a single loss – it is a stark reminder that gender-based violence continues to claim lives in our community,” noted a Facebook post from the Victoria Women’s Transition House.
On Jan. 5, Saanich police and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit started investigating the homicide on Blair Avenue, and on Jan. 9, Muhammed Basar was arrested and charged with murder in relation to the case.
The transition house acknowledged that Laura Gover-Basar was killed due to alleged intimate partner violence, and said that despite increased awareness and prevention efforts, individuals continue to face life-threatening abuse within their homes and relationships, reflecting systemic gaps in protection, intervention, and accountability.
“Research demonstrates that intimate partner violence is preventable. Effective prevention requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including health care, law enforcement, social services, and community organizations. It also requires adequate funding, evidence-based programming, and policy frameworks that prioritize survivor safety,” noted the post.
Camosun College president Lane Trotter said Gover-Basar joined the colleges’ School of Business’ Management and the Human Resource Leadership department as an instructor in 2021.
“Laura was a well-respected, highly-engaged and passionate instructor who was loved by many friends and colleagues at the college. She epitomized the mission of the college to build a better future for our community with relevant, innovative and applied education,” noted Trotter in a statement.
He said the school will be providing support to faculty and students, and that their thoughts are with her friends and family.
“Laura’s untimely death comes as a terrible shock to students, faculty and staff at Camosun College. Her passing leaves a profound sense of loss within the college community as well as those who were fortunate enough to know her.”
A crowdfunding campaign has started on Gofundme to help support her two young daughters. As of 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 13, the campaign has raised over $63,000.
“Her daughters were the centre of her world. Laura was deeply dedicated to her girls and poured love into them in a way that was steady, intentional, and fierce; the kind of love that builds a child’s entire foundation. She gave her daughters a beautiful life that was rooted in love, support, safety and security. Their lives were full of joy, adventure, and endless fun and meaningful traditions,” noted the campaign.
Read More: Man charged with murder in connection to suspicious death in Saanich
The Victoria Women’s Transition House Society offers women and children experiencing or at risk of violence a 24/7 crisis line, an emergency transition house, second stage housing, counselling and support, children and youth programs, 50+ programs, homelessness prevention programs and community education.
They urge community members to recognize warning signs, believe survivors, and take action. If someone is experiencing intimate partner violence, they are asked reach out. Help is available 24/7 by calling the transition house crisis line at 250-385-6611.
Basar’s next court appearance will be on Jan. 21.