Police ask for help in double murder investigation

Sault Ste. Marie City Police are asking for the public's help in determining how Albert Francis Ouimet knew Melody Burtis, the woman found murdered along with her eight-year-old son Harley last week in Sault Ste. Marie's Greenwood Cemetary.

Police know that the accused and victims were known to each other, but the exact nature of the relationship is not known and police are asking anyone who knows to come forward.

The request was issued at a news conference this afternoon at police headquarters.

In another development announced today, Albert Francis Ouimet is now facing a new charge of break-and-enter and commit an indictable offence and two counts of kidnapping in connection with last week's double murder.

It's alleged that Ouimet broke into a residence near Melody Burtis's house.

He's said to have stolen a knife from that house in the 100 block of Laurier, and to have used it to kidnap Melody and Harley when he broke into her house at 113 Salisbury.

He's alleged to have removed Melody and Harley from the house, taking them in her car, a 1995 green Plymouth Neon (license #AVEK 138), to a remote location north of the city.

The police believe this location, near Connor Road, is where Melody and Harley were murdered.

Autopsies performed on the two bodies Friday revealed that the mother and her son died of wounds administered by an "edged weapon."

Police have said little about the specific nature of the wounds, which were described today as "horrific."

Some police officers are now receiving crisis management support as a result of their involvement in the investigation.

NEWS RELEASE - CITY POLICE

********************** On the 20th of April, the accused was arrested and charged with two counts of murder in connection to the murder of 40-year old Melody Burtis and her 8-year old son Harley Baxter-Burtis.

He was also charged with one count of impaired driving and one count of breach of probation.

Mr. Ouimet was advised earlier this afternoon that he faces more charges.

In addition to his present charges he will face two counts of kidnapping and one count of break and enter and commit an indictable offence.

This information was provided to the media at 2 p.m. today during a press conference held by the Service.

********************** Earlier SooToday.com coverage of this story

Police confirm bodies discovered at Greenwood Cemetery Murder charges laid in cemetery slayings (9 photos) Mayor issues statement on double homicide 5:22 p.m. police update on cemetery murders Victims identified in Greenwood slayings 10:40 a.m. update on double homicide Double murder suspect appears in court (photo) More charges to be laid against double murder suspect Murders were committed near Connor Road, police say