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Edmonton homicide investigators have laid second-degree murder charges in connection to the killing of an 18-year-old woman earlier this year.

On Jan. 8, city police officers were responding to a weapons complaint at a home near 105 Avenue and 156 Street where they found the body of Charlize Wolfinger-Oflaherty, 18. An autopsy by the Edmonton Medical Examiner determined the woman died of a gunshot wound but the manner of death was unconfirmed.

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EPS Homicide Section detectives launched a “lengthy and complex” investigation which resulted in the arrest of a male suspect on Tuesday.

“The diligence and commitment exhibited throughout this complex investigation by the EPS homicide team, as well as our RCMP partners, eventually led to the arrest of the person we believe is responsible for taking this young woman’s life,” said EPS homicide section Staff Sgt. Colin Leathem, in a Wednesday news release.

“We deeply appreciate the support and patience of the Wolfinger-Oflaherty family throughout the process, and hope the investigative outcome brings them some level of comfort knowing what happened to their loved one,” said Leathem.

Ryan Michael Joseph Kovacs, 27, is charged with second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, two counts of assault, two counts of pointing a firearm and various other firearm-related offences.

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