Man charged with murder in domestic homicide in SE Calgary

A man is facing a murder charge after a woman in her 30s was found dead in southeast Calgary last week.

Emergency crews were called to a home near 76 Avenue and Ogden Road SE around 9 p.m. Friday for reports of a disturbance.

Officers found a woman dead inside the home and one person was taken into custody for questioning.

In an update on Wednesday, Calgary police said officers executed a search warrant at a home on Monday that resulted in the arrest of one man.

Investigators have identified the victim as 31-year-old Maria Hirmiz after an autopsy was completed on Tuesday. Police say her death has been deemed a domestic-related homicide.

Calgary resident Bearj Gerald Melanson, 41, has been charged with one count of second-degree murder. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Anyone with additional information is being asked to call police at 403-266-1234, or submit tips anonymously to CrimeStoppers.

Police are out with tips for those experience abuse or violence in an intimate or family relationship:

Domestic violence is a complex problem that can only be addressed when everyone in the community works together to end it. Abuse thrives in silence. We encourage Calgarians to:

• Learn how you can reach out and support someone you know, or suspect might 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.
• 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.
• Volunteer with organizations that work to support families affected by domestic and sexual violence.

Calgarians experiencing abuse or violence in an intimate or family relationship are always encouraged to reach out for help. There are agencies ready to offer support that can be contacted by calling 211. The Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 at 403-234-SAFE (7233).

We also encourage you to call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 which is available 24/7 and in more than 170 languages from anywhere in Alberta. If phone calls are not available to you, we encourage you to use the Alberta Safety Chat Line, by clicking HERE. This chat line is available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. MST in English.

Victims of domestic violence can also contact the Calgary Police Service anytime by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger.