Police say woman was hit by vehicle driven by her partner, left to die on Bowness street

Calgary police say a man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his partner, after a woman wasfound unconsciouson astreet inBowness and pronounced dead shortly after.

Melissa Rae Blommaert, 33, has been identified as the woman who was found lying on the road in the 8000 block of 34th Avenue N.W. early Monday morning.

Police said she died from blunt-force trauma.

Ronald John Candaele, 35, has been charged with second-degree murder. He was arrested at a Bowness home, police said.

Police said it's believed that the victim and accused were married. In the hours leading up to Blommaert's death, police said it's believed she and Candaele had a verbal argument in a vehicle. That prompted Blommaert to get out of the vehicle.

Shortly after, police said, it's believed Candaele drove over Blommaert, fatally injuring her.

At 6:10 a.m., a passerby spotted Blommaert lying unconscious in the road she was pronounced dead in hospital.

Domestic violence victims encouraged to reach out

According to social media posts, Blommaert and Candaele were married on Dec. 1, 2019.

"Homicides of any nature are tragic, including incidents where domestic violence is present, and our investigators continue to work diligently to find answers in this case," Staff Sgt. Colin Chisholm said in an emailed release. "We encourage anyone facing domestic conflict or violence to reach out for support to local agenciesor to police."

Police said anyone experiencing abuse or violence at home is encouraged to reach out for help, as harmful behaviours often can increase in severity over time.

People looking for help can call 211, or the Connect Family and Sexual Abuse Network at 1-877-237-5888 for sexual abuse, or 403-234-7233 for domestic abuse, police said.

Candaele is set to appear in court on Thursday.

Anyone with information about Blommaert's death is being asked to contact the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, the homicide tip line at 403-428-8877, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Police said there have been six homicides so far in 2020; two including this case have been domestic in nature.