A middle-aged Canadian man was recently charged for the murder of a Japanese student back in September last year.
Initially charged with indignity to a human body, the suspect, 49-year-old William Schneider, is now facing a second-degree murder charge, Daily Hive reported.
Natsumi Kogawa, the victim, was reported missing in Vancouver on September 12. The following day, the police issued a public plea for her search.
A second public plea was again issued to find the 30-year-old student following the release of a police surveillance footage.
The CCTV footage showed Kogawa in downtown Vancouver with the then-unknown man, later identified as Schneider.
On September 28, after about three weeks, Kogawa’s body was found in Gabriola Mansion on Davie Street. Schneider was reportedly arrested on the same day and has remained in police custody.
Further details surrounding the case have not been supplied due to a publication ban.
When the news of her death made international headlines, an outpouring of messages of support reached Kogawa’s family who were then in Japan.
In response to the positive messages, Kogawa’s mother, Emiko, posted a statement on a Facebook page thanking everyone.
Part of their statement said:
“Countless people helped search for her, shared information on Facebook, sent us warm messages, prayed for Natsumi every day, and even until today help support us. Your support and your feelings have helped our family in such a difficult time. We regret that we were not able to tell everyone individually how much we appreciate your feelings and support.
“Along with describing what the family went through, Emiko asks for help in gathering their most important treasures — memories of their daughter.”
