A Brockville teen will appear in court Wednesday to face a second-degree murder charge in connection with the case of a missing senior.
Valerie Xavier, 80, was last seen more than one week ago at a family gathering. She was reported missing on Sept. 27.
"Information we received today led us to the arrest this morning. Of course, we want to bring closure to her family. So, we'll continue to search for Valerie," Brockville police chief Adrian Geraghty told reporters on Tuesday.
"We're a very close-knit community and everybody knows Valerie. It's a sad day for the community."
A 16-year-old male is charged with second-degree murder in the case. He is the same teen who was arrested last week for allegedly stealing Xavier's car and driving it to Ottawa.
The youth, who was known to the victim, was arrested without incident Tuesday morning, nearly one week after he was released on bail for theft charges. Police have not confirmed how the two knew each other.
Although canine units and police divers have searched several areas in and around Brockville for signs of Xavier, her body has not been located.
Xavier's family had been clinging to hope that she'd be found alive. On Tuesday, her family was too distraught to comment.
Xavier often allowed boarders to share her two bedroom condo, according to the supervisor of the building where she lived.
Perry Greene told CTV Ottawa Xavier's last boarder was a teenager who moved in about a month ago.
"All I know is that he smoked and he used to go out a lot with his buddy. I don't know if anybody has talked to that buddy yet," Greene said.
Police won't confirm if the accused is the same teen that Xavier let into her home.
The teen, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, remains in custody. He is also charged with possessing a stolen credit card, theft over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Brockville police at 613-342-0127.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr
