Kitchener man charged with murder in Kate Lynn Reid case

Kitchener resident Kate Lynn Reid, missing since January 2015, is seen in this photo provided by Waterloo Regional Police.

Police say they are now investigating Kate Lynn Reid's disappearance as a homicide, and a 61-year-old man has been charged with second degree murder.

With the assistance of Toronto Police Service, Hugh Rayburn McColl from Kitchener has been arrested and will be charged with second degree murder, according to Waterloo Regional Police.

He was scheduled for a video court appearance Sunday.

“She was a quiet friendly...friendly lady...she kept to herself,” said Shirley Houser, Kate Lynn Reid’s friend.

51-year-old Kate Lynn Reid was last seen in early January, and was reported missing at the end of that month.

Police set up a command post on Burn Place near Belmont Avenue and Highland Road in Kitchener, and canvassed the neighbourhood looking for information.

“The focus of the investigation now is locating Ms. Reid and her body,” said Sgt. Michael Haffner of the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

“Based on some of the evidence that investigators have been able to determine, and with the assistance of other agencies, they've made the determination that Mr. McColl is subject to the charge of second degree murder,” said Haffner.

Police won’t comment on what the evidence is, but say the two knew each other and had been roommates.

“She found him on the internet as a roommate, so she didn't know anything about him except she needed a roommate to help with her rent,” said Roger Napper, Reid’s friend.

Police say they are continuing in their efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and presumed death of Kate Lynn Reid.

“The biggest concern for me, for us, for all of her friends is where is she?” said Houser.

“We would rather say hello but, we would like a chance to say goodbye.”