Ottawa police have arrested a 50-year-old Winchester man for the murder of Melissa Richmond. Sources tell CTV news the man in custody is Richmond's husband, Howard. He'll appear in court to be officially charged on Saturday by video remand. Today, friends and family gathered in Petawawa for a wake for Melissa Richmond, to remember the beautiful 28 year old and mourn her loss. Hours earlier, though, it appears her husband was arrested in connection with her death. OPP officers descended on Howard and Melissa Richmond's home in Winchester around 11:30 this morning, combing through computers and drawers for evidence.
Neighbors watched from across the street.
“Like everybody else I was shocked,” says neighbor Lois Schaafsma.
"I was shocked at first,” says Tonya Drover, another neighbor, “but overall I’m really sad because you don't know what he has gone through, what she went through, what led up to it, it's shocking. You never think something like this would happen across the street from you.”
The Richmond home was one of several sites being searched today in connection with the murder of the 28 year old. Neither Ottawa Police nor OPP, who are partnering on this investigation, wouldn't identify who they had in custody until he was formally charged, but sources confirm it is 50 year old Howard Richmond.
“A suspect was arrested,” says OPP Sgt. Kristine Rae, “in custody awaiting to appear by video remand in court tomorrow and he's facing a charge of murder.”
The Richmonds bought their Winchester home a little over a year ago. It was their dream home, their fairy tale castle but sadly their story did not have a happy ending
Melissa Richmond was last seen at her home last Wednesday evening, after she had returned home from an outing with her husband and friends. Her car was discovered last Friday at the parking lot at South Keys shopping centre in Ottawa’s south end. Her body was found Sunday in a creek beside the shopping centre.
Howard and Melissa Richmond married 8 years ago. Though there was a large age gap, the two shared a passion for historical re-enactment. She was a dental hygienist. He is a warrant officer, on stress leave from the armed forces, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
A funeral for Melissa Richmond is being held tomorrow in Petawawa. Howard Richmond had planned a memorial for his wife the next day in Winchester. It's unclear whether that is still going to happen.
