The lead detective in the Tess Richey murder case says new information from the Church and Wellesley community helped police further their investigation.
On Wednesday, police announced they had upgraded the charge against 21-year-old Kalen Schlatter from second-degree to first-degree murder, meaning they believe it was deliberate and planned.
"I'm not going to get into what the new evidence is," Det. Ted Lioumanis said. "I'm going to tell you that new evidence presented itself to us, and I want to acknowledge the community for that, I want to thank them for that, for coming forward."
Schlatter appeared in court via video Thursday morning to face the new charge. On the screen, he smiled as he approached the camera and said good morning.
Richey's mom, meanwhile, sat in a second row bench with her head down, crying.
The Crown prosecutor told court they will have "substantial" disclosure, or a package of evidence, to hand over to the defence this week.
Det. Lioumanis says police are confident in their investigation.
He told reporters that as far as investigators know, Richey and Schlatter did not know each other before the night she was killed.
Schlatter and his family, he said, have not been cooperating with police in the investigation.
The 21-year-old will be back in court on April 23rd.