A 49-year-old man appeared in court today on a charge of first-degree murder in connection to the death of a 42-year-old woman.

Alain Gascon of Quyon spent the night at the Hull Detention Centre after his arrest on Sunday.

Police say Angela Distasio died in hospital after paramedics responded to 9-1-1 calls from a Symmes Street apartment in Aylmer.

Gascon and Distasio were a couple for many years and have 5 children together. Authorities say they had recently separated.

An autopsy will be conducted in Montreal today to determine the cause of death.

CTV's Natalie Pierosara is covering the story for CTV Ottawa.

More to come...