Chatham man charged with first-degree murder after body found

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A 42-year-old Chatham man faces a charge of first-degree murder after Chatham-Kent police responded to check on a woman just before noon Monday.

Chatham-Kent police said Tuesday that a 42-year-old Chatham man faces a charge of first-degree murder in connection with officers conducting a welfare check at a Bedford Street residence Monday where they found a 44-year-old woman dead. The only police presence seen on the street Tuesday afternoon was a police car parked among other vehicles in the parking lot of this apartment building. PHOTO Ellwood Shreve/Chatham Daily News jpg, CD

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A 42-year-old Chatham man has been charged with first-degree murder after Chatham-Kent police discovered a body Monday during a welfare check.

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When officers arrived at the home on Bedford Street in Chatham at noon Monday, they found a 44-year-old woman dead, police said.

Stephen William Thompson appeared in court Tuesday on a charge of first-degree murder and is scheduled to appear in court virtually on July 13. He is in custody.

There is a ban on publication of any evidence discussed in the pre-trial phase.

Police did not provide details on the cause of death or the relationship between the suspect and the woman.

The only police presence that could be seen on Bedford Street late Tuesday afternoon was a police car parked among other vehicles in the parking lot of an apartment building across the street.

Neighbors were unaware of the discovery of the body and subsequent arrest, saying they were surprised to hear someone was charged with murder.

To protect the integrity of their investigation, police said they would not be releasing any further information at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Const. Paul Brophy at 519-436-6600 ext. 619 or paulbr@chatham-kent.ca.