Regina police believe a 32-year-old man is responsible for the murder of two Aboriginal women in Regina over the past year.
This morning, new charges were laid against Clayton Bo Eichler, who is already in custody on one murder charge. Regina police chief Troy Hagen held a news conference at Regina police headquarters this morning to release the latest information:
“If he is convicted, he would meet the criteria as a serial killer.”
Eichler is now charged with the first-degree murder of 23-year-old Richele Lee Bear. She was reporting missing in September of last year.
Police say they have evidence she is dead, even though her body has not been found.
Bear’s mother, Michele, was at police headquarters during this morning’s news conference. She thanked police for their efforts to bring closure:
“Well, I am very happy with the developments that came out today. I am very happy that they have charged someone with my daughter’s death and I am hoping they bring her home soon.”
Eichler is also charged with the murder of 21-year-old Kelly Nicole Goforth. This morning, charges in that case were upgraded from second-degree to first-degree murder, indicating planning and premeditation.
Goforth was found dead in a Regina back alley last September. Hagen would not speculate on whether further charges could eventually be laid against Eichler:
“It would depend on where those investigations go. We obviously don’t have any evidence at this time to suggest that this individual is responsible for any more crimes, but time will tell.”
For Michele Bear and her family, the loss is profound. She says her daughter was full of life and full of promise:
“Richele was very happy, a good girl, she had a scholarship to Notre Dame (Wilcox), she went to Sacred Heart School, she was a big part of the community. Everyone knew her, she was loved, and cherished.”
Eichler was in court this morning to face the new charges. It was a brief appearance, with families of both victims weeping during the quick appearance.
He has been remanded in custody until May 23rd. Eichler has been in custody since December 31st, after he was charged with Goforth’s murder.