Woman found dead in St. Catharines, Ont., home was Indian student Vidhi Megha, Niagara police say

Woman found dead in St. Catharines, Ont., home was Indian student Vidhi Megha, Niagara police say

Consulate General of India says death a 'tragic loss' and is in touch with family

The Consulate General of India in Toronto says it is "deeply saddened" about the death of international student Vidhi Megha, who was the victim of a homicide in St. Catharines, Ont., two weeks ago.

The office made the statement on social media platform X, on Friday. Earlier in the day, Niagara Regional Police identified Megha whose body was found at a home in the city's north end on May 15. Until now, police had not released her identity.

On May 19, police announced they had arrested Joshua St. Omer, a 40-year-old St. Catharines resident, and charged him with second-degree murder in Megha's death.

Police said Megha, 23, was found dead at a home in the area of Lake Street and Lakeshore Road at about 4:15 p.m. and a man at the home was also found with serious injuries. Acting Insp. Brett Sojda told CBC News on Friday that the man found with injuries was in fact St. Omer.

Police originally said on May 15 that a man was taken to hospital and his injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening.

"We convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and solidarity on this tragic loss," the Consulate General of India said on X. "The Consulate is in touch with the family members in India and Canada and also the funeral home and is providing all support and assistance to the family, including for transportation of the mortal remains to India."

Their statement said she was an international student but did not say where she was studying.

The Niagara Indian Association posted on Facebook on Friday that it was "deeply saddened" to learn of Megha's death.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time," the association said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they cope with this profound loss."

Family now notified, say police

Niagara police said Megha's family has been notified and said investigators have determined the violence was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

Sojda said in homicide cases involving people from other countries, notification becomes more complicated and time-consuming.

"With foreign nationals there's a process that you have to follow," he said. "That involves some agencies outside of [Niagara police] that have to be notified, then those notifications have to be made through some federal authorities, including Interpol. So, unfortunately it takes a longer time than anyone would like. As soon as we were in a position to notify the next of kin we started that process immediately. "

Sojda said he also couldn't comment how she died. "I'm just not in a position to comment, just because of the ongoing investigation," he said.

Homicide investigators continue to ask for anyone with information about Megha's death to contact them. People can also provide information anonymously with Crime Stoppers of Niagara.

Paul Forsyth is a St. Catharines-based CBC reporter covering communities in the Niagara Region. He has decades of reporting experience in Niagara, having worked for Niagara This Week, the St. Catharines Standard and the Welland Tribune before joining CBC. You can reach him at paul.forsyth@cbc.ca.