A MAN who emigrated to Canada 15 years ago is awaiting trial for the alleged murder of his wife.

David Miller is in custody after his 46-year-old wife, Susan, was fatally stabbed on Boxing Day at the couple’s home in Chilliwack, near Vancouver.

The 51-year-old builder, originally from the West Burton area, in the Yorkshire Dales, has been charged with second degree murder.

Yesterday, Mr Miller’s cousin said he did not expect any of the family to travel out to Canada for the forthcoming trial.

Keith Miller, who lives in Thoralby, in the Yorkshire Dales, said: “I don’t know much about it – all I have heard is second hand.

“We’ve not been that close since he moved away, about 15 years ago. I haven’t seen or spoken to him since.

“He went because he met his wife, a Canadian, and he thought there would be more opportunity. He was building over there, and I think he got into the fire brigade.

“He was a gentle lad. He worked with the family building firm. He was no bother at all.”

Corporal Dale Carr, of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s homicide team, told The Northern Echo: “I am able to confirm that the David Miller involved in the stabbing to death of his wife Susan on Boxing Day 2009 is indeed the same David Miller that once lived in England.

“He will be facing a single charge of second degree murder for the stabbing death of his wife.”

Mrs Miller was found by police and medics in “severe medical distress” at the couple’s home, at about 5pm on December 26.

Medics battled to save her life, but she died shortly after they arrived at the scene.

The couple have a 16-yearold daughter.

Cpl Carr said the incident was being treated solely as a domestic homicide.

An old friend of Mr Miller’s, from North Yorkshire, who wished to remain anonymous, said those who knew him were shocked at the situation.

He added: “He was a friendly, hard-working lad, and always good fun on a night out.”