The Calgary Police Service has charged Bearj Gerald Melanson, 41, with second-degree murder in the death of a woman who was found deceased on Ogden on April 4.
CPS was called to a residence located in the 7600 block of 23 Street SE at 9 p.m. last week, after calls of a disturbance.
Maria Hirmiz, 31, was found deceased in the residence.
Investigators said that a search warrant was executed on Monday, April 7, which led to the arrest of Melanson. The service said that the death of Hirmiz was deemed a domestic-related homicide.
“Domestic violence is a complex problem that can only be addressed when everyone in the community works together to end it,” said CPS.
The service has encouraged Calgarians to learn how to reach out for support or to support someone you know or might suspect to be in an abusive or violent relationship.
“Be an open and accepting friend if someone discloses their experience with abuse—saying ‘I believe you’ goes a long way,” said CPS.
“Talk to your children about what kinds of behaviours are healthy in a relationship and which ones are not. Donate to organizations that work to support families affected by domestic and sexual violence. And volunteer with organizations that work to support families affected by domestic and sexual violence.”
A 24/7 domestic violence helpline is available at 403-234-7223, and a 24/7 family violence helpline is available at 310-1818.
CPS said that victims of domestic violence can call police anytime at 403-266-1234, or if they are in immediate danger, at 911.
