The Sûreté du Quebec confirmed on September 27 that the body found the previous morning in Hemmingford is that of the 29-year-old woman who was first reported missing on Sept. 21. She was found in a wooded area behind her home on Covey Hill Road.
According to Radio-Canada, a 31-year-old Hemmingford man appeared by videoconference at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield courthouse on Sept. 27, where he was formally charged with committing an indignity to a human body. The accused has been identified as the victim’s partner. He is alleged to have committed the crime at some point between Sept. 15 and Sept. 21.
The Sûreté du Québec called on the public on Sept. 21 to help locate the victim after family reported her missing. Over 300 volunteers from the Hemmingford and Valley community joined police officers as well as members of the local fire department in a massive search effort. A moving vigil took place in the village on Sept. 23.
A publication ban is now in place to protect the victim and a minor. This prevents the victim and the accused from being named.
The accused was detained following his court appearance. He is expected to next appear before the court on October 2 for a bail hearing. (SR)