A Kitchener man is facing second-degree murder charges in connection with the disappearance of Catherine Todd.
Todd, 48, was reported missing from her Lorraine Avenue residence on March 21. She had not been seen for several days at that point.
James Parise, 25, was arrested Tuesday in Stratford.
“Mr. Parise was arrested yesterday as he exited a vehicle in Stratford,” Insp. Kevin Thaler tells CTV.
In a brief Wednesday morning court appearance, Parise was remanded into custody until a video appearance May 1.
Police say Todd is presumed dead and they continue to search for evidence that will lead to the location of her body.
“The investigation has certainly shifted now to trying to locate her remains,” says Thaler.
Investigators have turned their focus to the Waterloo Region Landfill site on Erb Street West in Waterloo, where they hope to find a cream-coloured loveseat that is missing from Todd’s home.
“Part of the investigation now is focused on trying to find the loveseat that is missing from Catherine Todd’s apartment. Investigators have information that it may be at the landfill site,” says Thaler.
Police say a pickup truck that had been sought in connection with Todd’s disappearance has been found and is undergoing a forensic examination.
A residence on Ephraim Street was searched by police Tuesday night. Police say the search is related to Todd’s disappearance.
Steven Todd says he remembers his sister as an accomplished musician who loved using music to make others happy.
“She was just a happy, bubbly person who tried to give her love of music to others,” he tells CTV.
“We really want her to be remembered as that cheery, bubbly musician that made people happy and dance and clap their hands.”
As a renowned pianist, Todd performed across Canada, the United States and areas overseas.
Police say Parise and Todd knew each other. No further arrests are anticipated.
