BRAMPTON – An Indo-Canadian man from Mississauga was charged last Sunday with second-degree murder after a South Asian woman’s body was found inside a car in Brampton last Saturday afternoon, say police.
Peel police found a 29-year-old Shariyfa Birkett without vital signs around 4 p.m., behind an auto shop at 20 Melanie Dr. She was pronounced dead on scene by Peel paramedics, reported Toronto Star.
On Sunday afternoon, Peel police continued their investigation at HR Motors Car Care Centre, tucked away in an industrial complex near Torbram Rd. and Steeles Ave E. A large perimeter around the auto-body shop was cordoned off with yellow police tape.
Police say Birkett and the accused, her 31-year-old boyfriend Amit Kalia, were driving a 2008 Mercedes C230, which may have been involved in a minor collision causing damage to the front driver’s side, including a flat tire.
The car was then towed to the auto shop and police say they would like to speak with the tow-truck driver, who is believed to be an innocent bystander.
“Police have reason to believe (the couple) stayed at a Niagara motel near the casino Friday night,” Peel police tweeted, asking for witnesses to come forward.
Kalia appeared briefly in a Brampton courthouse Sunday afternoon on charges of second-degree murder and breach of recognizance.
Clad in a blue jumpsuit, the handcuffed man displayed little emotion as the allegations were read in court by Provincial Crown prosecutor John Kingdon.
Defence lawyer Michael Pierce, who was acting on behalf of defence counsel Fariborz Davoudi, requested a publication ban, which was granted by Justice of the Peace Darlene Florence.
No family members or friends of the accused were present during the 10-minute proceeding.
Davoudi told the Star that he had spoken earlier by telephone with his client, whom he described as being under a lot of stress.
“It appears to be a very emotional kind of situation for him,” said the lawyer. “(Kalia) is under a great deal of stress.”
“The allegations are very tragic,” said Davoudi, adding he still didn’t know enough about the case to comment on the relationship between the accused and deceased.
“The charges are very serious and will be vigorously defended.”
Kalia is scheduled to appear in court, by video, on Feb. 18.
Peel police’s homicide unit and Criminal Investigations Bureau conducted an investigation overnight, canvassing the area and collecting evidence from the crime scene.
The cause of death is expected to be determined following an autopsy, say police.
Courtesy Toronto Star
