Homicide victim's remains found in suitcase; suspect is spouse, also found dead
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says the death of a woman whose body was discovered Tuesday evening in this area of Water Street in downtown St. John's is a homicide. (Jeremy Eaton/CBC)
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says a suspicious death in St. John's is a homicide, and the suspect in the case is also dead.
Const. James Cadigan said Friday that a 33-year-old woman's remains were found in a suitcase in the area of Water Street, near Springdale Street.
"This is believed to be a targeted event," Cadigan said.
The suspect — her 34-year-old spouse — was found dead in his downtown home on Monday.
A day later, on Tuesday evening, a member of the public made the grisly discovery of a suitcase containing the woman's remains, and called police.
According to Cadigan, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner believes she died several days earlier.
The victim and the suspect were Iranian, according to police. Police said the suspect had been in Newfoundland for educational purposes for a number of years, while the victim came to the province in mid-May.
The police say they aren't releasing the names of the deceased for privacy reasons. Next of kin have been notified.
Cadigan said the couple had no previous involvement with police in the province.
The RNC is continuing work to put together a timeline of events and is appealing for information or video from the area bordered by LeMarchant Road, east along Water Street to McBride's Hill, and Springdale Street between July 10 and July 16.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
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