Police arrest Toronto man, identify remains found in Riverdale last week
Posted April 30, 2016 4:21 pm.
Last Updated April 30, 2016 11:18 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Police have made an arrest in connection with a woman’s body found behind a butcher shop in Riverdale last week.
Albert Ian Ohab of Toronto was arrested on Friday and has been charged with indignity to a dead body. He made a court appearance on Saturday in Toronto.
Police have also identified the deceased as Melissa Cooper, 30, of Toronto.
Cooper’s remains were found behind a butcher shop in the Broadview Avenue and Gerrard Street East area back on April 19. Police said the remains showed little decomposition, meaning the death was recent.
Friends tell CityNews Cooper’s mother became worried two weeks ago when she didn’t hear from her daughter for a couple of days. When they heard a torso had been found near Broadview and Gerrard, the family filed a missing person’s report.
Friends shared pictures on Facebook and posted flyers in the neighbourhood near her home as well as one in front of the very business where her body was eventually found.
One of those putting up posters was Ginette Reynolds, a friend who knew Cooper for the last three years. She says, despite a troubled past, she was an amazing person.
“She was the type to give me $10 to go take my son to the store to buy candies,” Reynolds told CityNews. “Made him a cake for his birthday with her mom. Gave him the coolest Christmas present.
“She will be missed.”
Reynolds said she does not know if Cooper did or did not know Ohab but added she “literally knew people everywhere.”
Police say the investigation is ongoing but they aren’t looking for any more suspects. They would not say if there was any connection between the accused and the female victim.
Police are asking that anyone who had contact with Ohab or Cooper in the days leading up to the discovery of the torso on April 19 call them or Crime Stoppers.