Homicide investigators work to piece together the last moments of Tess Richey’s life

Toronto police have pieced together the last evening of Tess Richey, who went missing last month and was found dead in a stairwell a few days later.

In the evening before it’s believed Richey was murdered, she and a friend went to Crews & Tango – a bar located on Church Street just south of Maitland Street, an investigator said on Friday.

Police said that after that, around 1:45 a.m., Richey and her friend walked up to the intersection of Church and Wellesley Street to a hot dog cart.

It’s believed that while they were there, an unknown male joined the two women and began talking. This male is believed to be the suspect.

He is described as a male who appears to have light skin, about 5’7 to 6 feet, slim build, dark jacket and light pants.

Police said Tess, her friend and the suspect went north on Church to Dondonald Street, where they spent some time speaking with a couple. A while later, around 4 a.m., the group then went their separate ways, according to police.

Tess and the suspect walked away and went slightly northbound to 582 Church Street. Police said this is the last time Tess is shown on any kind of security camera or seen by any witnesses.

Police said the suspect left the stairwell on his own and walked north on Church Street.

Her body was found in the outdoor stairwell several days later by her mother, who had come to the city to join in the search for he missing daughter.

Although foul play wasn’t originally believed to involved, it was later determined that the cause of death was neck compression.

Officers continue to canvass the area for video surveillance and are encouraging any store owners who may have video evidence they have not brought forward to investigators.

As well, police believe there may be other witnesses who have not come forward.

Police said Richey was last seen wearing all black, carrying a green jacket and a pink purse. Her hair was down and loose and would have appeared dark and wavy.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today