BRAMPTON: Amit Kalia, 31, of Mississauga, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Shariyfa Birkett, a 29-year-old female.

Peel Regional Police were called to an address on Melanie Drive, in Brampton, on Saturday (February 7) at 4 p.m. Birkett was found with no vital signs in a vehicle parked in one of the garage bays at HR Motors. The investigation led to the region’s first charge of murder for 2015.

A police spokesperson said the victim was the girlfriend of the accused. Police believe the two had stayed at a motel near the casino in Niagara Falls on Friday evening.

The vehicle was believed to have been towed to the Melanie Drive location and police later tracked down the tow-truck driver.

According to a local newspaper, court records show that Kalia was out on a recognizance with charges that include drug possession, theft, taking a vehicle without consent, dangerous driving and care and control of a vehicle while impaired by drugs.

Anyone who may have information with respect to the homicide is asked to call investigators in the Homicide Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3205.

Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word ‘PEEL’ and then your tip.