Waterloo Region police have laid a second degree murder charge against David Robert Thomas, 48, in connection with a four-year-old case.
The Waterloo man appeared in a Kitchener court on Thursday to face the charge and was remanded in custody. He sat passively, without expression during the appearance.
Waterloo Regional Police Insp. Greg Lamport says "The suspect was arrested yesterday afternoon at his place of employment in the City of Kitchener."
He wouldn't elaborate on what recent developments may have led to the charges, only that with lengthy investigations police need to make sure they have the right person before there is an arrest.
Then 39-year-old Denise Bourdeau was last seen early on New Year's Day in 2007 at a Waterloo Restaurant.
Police say the mother of three left with someone described as a close acquaintance.
Her body was found in April, nearly four months later, on the banks of the Grand River near Conestoga College. No details have been released on how she died.
Lamport says "The victim and the accused were at one time involved in a common law relationship."
A publication ban has now been imposed on the details of the case at the request of the Crown attorney.
Defence lawyer Harold Cox says he is still waiting for the details of the allegations and "We're going to vigorously defend this matter, those are my instructions at this point."
He adds that he will be seeking bail for Thomas at Superior Court next week.
Police say while they are not looking for additional suspects, anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-653-7700 Ext. 8767 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
