Vancouver Sun - Apr 30, 2004

Vancouver Sun: Wed Sep 4, 2002 (Jim Beatty) Husband charged in Nanaimo shooting

source: https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun-hhj/75512827
archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20240719233524/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun-hhj/75512827
clip: https://lisamarieyoung.ca/n/vs20020904

[Reproduced under Copyright Act (Canada) s.29.2 - Fair Dealing for the purpose of news reporting]

See also: Search was delayed 18 days due to RCMP prioritization of simple 2 day case

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Husband charged in Nanaimo shooting
Mother of eight remembered for putting family first

NANAIMO - Police arrested and charged Joseph Frank Centis with second-degree murder on Tuesday, two days after his estranged wife was shot at a gas bar while their 13-year-old daughter watched in horror.

Nanaimo RCMP made the arrest early Tuesday, capturing Centis, 48, in his apartment just two blocks away from the police station.

"Of course, we believe we have arrested the killer," said RCMP Constable Jack Eubank. "I don't think it would be appropriate for me to discuss the motive."

At about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Rosella Centis, 44, was shot in the back as she fuelled the family vehicle with her 13-year-old daughter Angie.

As her body fell to the pavement, a light-coloured Toyota was seen speeding away from the gas station and variety store.

When police arrested Joseph Centis, they also seized a light-coloured Toyota, rented from a local agency.

Police wouldn't say whether they have recovered the murder weapon but said they are examining a series of items seized at the time of the arrest.

The couple had a history of domestic abuse, recalled two adult daughters of Joseph Centis.

Samantha Centis, 20 and Melanie Centis, 22, of Calgary were devastated by the news of their stepmother's death.

"Me and Melanie have been crying non-stop," said Samantha Centis, 20. "We can't sleep."

Samantha said her stepmom loved being a mother.

"She lived for her children, she really did," Samantha said. "She was an amazing mother. She did everything with us."

Samantha said she would always treasure the trips with her stepmom to Italy to visit her other children.

Rosella didn't work outside the home, except in a volunteer capacity.

"She was always a housewife," said Melanie, 22. "Life was good. It was strict, living in an Italian home, but she always took care of the family and did the best she could."

Melanie said her stepmom made sure her children were involved in activities such as swimming and piano lessons.

"She always wanted to stay home with her children," Melanie said. "She always put her kids into things. She was involved in a lot of community stuff."

The 22-year-old noted that Rosella taught her to play volleyball and was an painter who encourage children to be creative.

Neighbours said the victim lived for her eight children. Three adult children from a previous marriage live in Italy and five with Centis ranging in age from three to 13 live in Nanaimo.

"The children are doing as well as can be expected," Eubank said. Tm told that the eldest who was present at the time of the shoot ing is mature beyond her years. She is now the head of this family and she is doing extremely well."

Police won't say whether the children are being cared for by relatives, friends or by the ministry for children and families.

"They are being cared for and their long-term needs are being taken care of," Eubank said. The Italian consulate in Vancouver located and notified Rosella Centis' three children in Italy.

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