KITCHENER -- Brantford police have charged a woman with second-degree murder in connection to another woman's death in March 2020.

Shannon Macdougall was found dead inside a home on Mintern Avenue on March 11, 2020 when police were called in to check on her well-being.

Police said they started investigating her suspicious death immediately, and received information in June 2020 allowing the investigation to move forward.

On Nov. 30, 2020, they told the public they were investigating MacDougall's death as a homicide. Police said they wanted to protect the integrity of the investigation and did not believe there was a threat to public safety.

Macdougall's sister had told CTV News they had questions around the investigation and that they learned about her injuries from the funeral director.

In March of 2021, they offered a $10,000 reward for any information.

Christine Birt, 28, has been charged with second-degree murder. Police said they don't believe this was a random incident.

Birt appeared in court on Tuesday and is scheduled to next appear on July 6.

Brantford police are thanking the public for their help in providing information on the case, but add that thee investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

With reporting from CTV Kitchener's Krista Simpson