The 22-year-old man charged with first-degree murder in the death of Erin Howlett made his first appearance in court Thursday.
Michael Ball, of Kitchener, faces more than 30 charges.
He and Howlett were acquaintances, according to police.
The charges include first-degree murder, committing an indignity to a human body, more than 20 weapons-related charges and a number of drug-related charges.
Police say the weapons and drugs charges are unrelated to the Howlett case.
Family members and friends of Erin Howlett were in attendance in the Kitchener courtroom as the charges were read.
“Erin was a big part of our life, and so we want to be here every step of the way,” says brother Dane Howlett.
Also in the courtroom was Chris McInnis, a friend of Ball’s from high school.
“I’ve very surprised. He definitely didn’t seem like the type of person to do it,” McInnis says.
McInnis says Ball told him he was under investigation, but appeared to be genuinely remorseful for Howlett’s death.
“He did not seem like he had anything to do with it,” he says.
“He seemed upset to have lost a friend. If (the murder charge) is accurate … I have no remorse for him, I have no pity for him.”
In July, Howlett’s body was found in the Grand River near Riverbend Drive in Kitchener.
“The actual cause of death is something that we’re going to withhold,” Det. Sgt. Chris Downey tells CTV News.
“I think it’s important in this case for the court process to develop.”
As part of the investigation into Howlett’s death, police searched a home on Chestnut Street in Kitchener and ponds in a south-end park.
Police say Ball, who lived in a basement apartment at the Chestnut Street home until earlier this fall, was a person of interest early in the investigation.
“He wasn’t the only subject of investigation and it was just a matter of narrowing it down,” says Downey.
Numerous photos posted on Facebook show Ball posing with various firearms. McInnis says his friend was an avid hunter.
Ball, who was arrested Wednesday at Fairview Park Mall, remains in custody.
