Canadian soldier facing murder charge in wife's death
Howard Richmond, who claims he has suffered from PTSD, reported wife missing
A Canadian Forces soldier is facing a murder charge in the death of his 28-year-old wife, Melissa Richmond, and search warrants are being carried out at his Winchester, Ont., home.
Howard Richmond, 50, was driven by a friend to Ottawa police headquarters late Friday morning. He was arrested and taken into custody.
CBC Ottawa has confirmed with Ottawa police sources that Richmond will be charged with first-degree murder on Saturday.
Visitation for his wife, was held Friday in Pembroke, west of Ottawa.
Richmond, a warrant officer with the Canadian Forces, will appear in court Saturday morning via video where the charge will be announced.
His wife's funeral is also scheduled to be held on Saturday.
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Richmond has completed six tours of duty for the Canadian Forces — three in Afghanistan, two in Bosnia and one in Cyprus. He told CBC News Thursday he has received treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and his wife of eight years was a "rock" through that.
Wife's body found July 28
The body of Melissa Richmond was recovered five days ago from a deep ditch near a storm drain along Bank Street in south Ottawa. She had been stabbed multiple times, police sources have told CBC News.
Her husband had reported her missing on July 24, claiming she took a late-night drive and never returned. Her vehicle was recovered two days later in the parking lot of the nearby South Keys Shopping Centre.
Prior to his arrest, Richmond had been interviewed by police as a "grieving spouse." While police were searching his home Friday, his truck was towed away, said CBC camera operator Jean Delisle.
During an interview in front of the home where Howard and Melissa Richmond lived, Ontario Provincial Police spokeswoman Kristine Rae confirmed there were search warrants conducted at other locations besides the home.
She also said no other suspects are being sought in the slaying.
Melissa Richmond, who was a dental hygienist, is Ottawa's seventh homicide victim of 2013.