THE Supreme Court of British Columbia on Tuesday sentenced Obnes Regis to 12 years in prison for the manslaughter conviction and five years consecutive for the indignity to human remains conviction in the 2021 homicide of his wife Naomi Onotera.
After considering the totality principle of sentencing, this was reduced to a total of 16 years.
On August 29, 2021, Onotera’s family reported her missing from her home in Langley. A missing person investigation ensued, led by the Langley RCMP, with an outpouring of support from the community to find their missing school teacher. After evidence was located that lead investigators to believe that Onotera had been met with foul play, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation.
On December 17, 2021, homicide investigators arrested 49-year-old Regis. He was subsequently charged with manslaughter and indignity to human remains.
On May 31, 2024, following nearly seven months of trial, Regis appeared in court and pled guilty to both charges.
IHIT said on Tuesday that one of the determining factors that alerted investigators that this was more than a missing person’s case was a conflicting timeline of events. Investigators eventually pieced together a more accurate series of events from witnesses.
“The statements from the friends and family of Ms. Onotera solidified the timeline” said Staff-Sgt. David Lee of IHIT. “We wish to recognize their assistance in what was a very difficult time for all.”
While working closely with experts from the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS), homicide investigators completed an initial search of the Onotera residence in 2021. Through a meticulous analysis process of the evidence and items found during the search, prioritization of exhibits was established and sent to the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) for further analysis. The work of the RCMP’s forensic experts and scientists at BCIT confirmed that human remains were in the residence at the time of the searches.
“The community was looking for answers at this time,” said Lee. “And in our pursuit of justice for Naomi Onotera, investigators were ensuring the evidence collected was accurate and concrete to present to Crown and prepare for an upcoming arrest.”
Throughout the investigative process, IHIT obtained information from Regis and connected it to surveillance and forensic evidence. This led to an arrest being made and charges laid in December 2021.
“This was a difficult investigation and it impacted investigators and the community,” said Lee. “We hope that this outcome brings closure to the friends, family of Naomi Onotera and the community who supported her.”
Onotera’s family extended their heartfelt gratitude to IHIT, Langley RCMP, and Crown Counsel for their hours of tireless work these past years. “Its still hard to fathom our beloved Naomi is gone,” said a family member. “We are grateful for the continued support from the community and the Surrey School District. We hope Naomi’s memory will live on in everyone’s hearts and she will get the justice she deserves.”
IHIT says that if you have been affected by this case, do not hesitate to contact the RCMP or police department victim services program in your area. You may also access victim services by contacting VictimLINK, a 24-hour British Columbia toll-free information (1-800-563-0808) support and referral line for victims.
