Holly Hamilton's ex-boyfriend and the father of her young daughter, Justin Dumphrey, was charged Thursday with second-degree murder a day after her body was found in her car in a parking garage in the City of Hamilton.
Hamilton, 29, was reported missing on Monday. A day later, city police said that her disappearance was out of character and there was "reason to be concerned for her safety."
Dumphrey, 30, appeared via video link in court on Wednesday, and is slated to appear again by video on Jan. 24.
Police are scheduled to provide updates on the case at a noon ET news conference today, and CBC Hamilton will carry it live.
On Tuesday, Staff Sgt. Dave Oleniuk told reporters that detectives were trying to track down Hamilton's ex-boyfriend. There had been a history of domestic violence in their relationship, said Oleniuk.
Dumphrey, left, and Holly Hamilton had a daughter together. (Facebook)
A search party planned for Wednesday evening instead turned into a candlelight vigil. Friends and family gathered outside the apartment of Hamilton's ex-boyfriend, where she was last seen.
A teddy bear, pictures and candles were placed around a telephone pole, while the small crowd held hands in a circle.
Kelli Ruetch, who has lived in the building for four years, said she will make sure there are candles burning continuously until Sunday in honour of the 29-year-old.
"This is our way of saying we will stand by," she said.
