Joshua Burgess had profile on dating website while actress wife Shannon Madill was missing
CBC News | Posted: July 7, 2015 4:40 PM | Last Updated: July 8, 2015
Body of Shannon Madill, whose family says was known as Shannon Burgess, found in home couple shared
Accused murderer Joshua Burgess appears to have maintained an online dating profile while police and family members were looking for his missing wife.
Shannon Burgess — who also used her maiden name Madill, but was known by her married name, according to family — was a 25-year-old actress who had been missing since December.
Burgess, 29, was charged with second-degree murder Sunday, two days after his wife's body was found at their Ramsay home.
An online dating profile on the website okcupid.com, under the username JustJoshingYouEh, was last accessed on May 9.
In one section of the website, the profile states Burgess is looking for "new friends, short term dating" and says he's "mostly non-monogamous." It also says he does drugs "sometimes," is looking for women between ages 18 and 45.
Five photos were posted to the site. One showed Burgess posing with his wife and a friend.
In the months after his wife's disappearance, Burgess would also frequent the 7-Eleven convenience store two blocks from his home.
According to a staff member, who didn't want to be identified, Burgess often brought what appeared to be a new girlfriend. The two would be very affectionate while waiting in line, kissing and holding hands, according to the employee.
Family breaks silence
In a written statement released Monday night, Shannon's family thanked the community for the love and support they've received.
"She was fearless and savoured life, which makes her absence more tragic," reads the statement sent by Shannon's sister on behalf of her siblings and parents.
The family expressed relief that her remains were found, ending nearly eight months of searching, but said they will not speculate until there are more answers.
"Shannon was a sweet, quirky, loving, passionate, generous soul," reads the statement. "Not only did she enjoy life to the fullest, but she was able to show you how to come along on that journey."
Shannon volunteered with the SPCA and helped children in need, and was a blood donor, according to the statement.
The family is planning a celebration of life for later this summer, and will make details available once they're finalized.