A Regina man accused of killing a woman last year now faces a second murder charge involving another woman who disappeared in the city.
Clayton Bo Eichler has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the disappearance of 23-year-old Richele Lee Bear.
Eichler, 32, is also charged with offering an indignity to a human body by having intercourse.
“This is just the beginning of a long hard process for me and my family,” the victim's mother, Michele Bear, told reporters Friday.
Richele Bear was reported missing last September, and investigators now say there's evidence that suggests she is dead, even though her body has not been found.
“Even though this (development) may bring some closure, we do not know where Richele’s body is,” Regina Police Chief Troy Hagen said at a news conference.
Michele said she had been hopeful that her daughter would eventually come home. She described Richele as a smart girl who excelled in sports, earning a basketball scholarship to Notre Dame.
“She was very helpful. She was very high-spirited,” Michele said.
“You could feel her energy when she was in the room. She was very happy; very bubbly.”
Eichler was previously charged in December with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Kelly Nicole Goforth, whose body was found in an alley near the 1700 block of McAra Street on Sept. 25.
On Friday, police announced that charge has been upgraded to first-degree murder.
“I wasn’t surprised that the charge got upgraded,” said the victim’s mother, Maxine Goforth. “I’m very happy. Justice is being done for these girls.”
Eichler made a brief appearance in a Regina courtroom Friday morning, and he was remanded into custody until his next court date, which is scheduled for May 23.
Erica Beaudin of Regina Treaty Status Indian Services noted at the news conference that there are many missing and murdered aboriginal women in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
“We will not rest until we bring our women home and, if necessary, the persons are held responsible for their deaths,” Beaudin said.
Hagen said if Eichler is convicted of both murder charges, he would meet the FBI definition of a serial killer.
“We obviously do not have any evidence to suggest, at this time, that this individual is responsible for any more crimes,” Hagen said.
“However, time will tell. We’re obviously still pursuing these (missing person) investigations with diligence.”
