Joshua Burgess, the husband of a Calgary woman who had been missing for seven months, appeared in court briefly in connection with her murder.
Burgess, 29, was charged with the second-degree murder of his wife Shannon Madill-Burgess, 25, on Sunday.
Police say they located the body of the actress at the couple’s home in the 1900 block of Spiller Road S.E. after executing a search warrant on the property on Friday.
Burgess appeared on court on Monday and the judge put the matter over to a later date.
According to investigators, Burgess was on their radar for quite a while, but there was not enough solid evidence against him.
Investigators say that he was even very cooperative with them during the opening stages of their investigation and their first search of the couple’s home, conducted shortly after her disappearance, turned up nothing.
It was last week that some new information came to light that helped them proceed with charges.
“It wasn’t a tip," said Staff Sergeant Colin Chisholm of the CPS Homicide Unit on Sunday. "As the investigation progressed it rapidly transitioned from a missing person investigation into a homicide investigation.”
Police say that there was no history of domestic conflict or violence at the home and they were never called there for any reason.
Shannon’s family said the couple had separated, but continued to live in the same home.
Neighbours, who say the Burgess’ lived at the home for two years, were shocked to hear the news.
“I see this guy every week for a couple of times. He’s a normal guy,” said John Wysocki, who has lived in the quiet community for 20 years. “They are normal people.”
Police recovered Shannon Madill-Burgess’ body on Sunday, but are not releasing any details about where her remains were found.
An autopsy is expected to be conducted later on Monday.
Joshua Burgess’ next court appearance is on July 30.
