The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed its “deeply saddened” feelings regarding the death of international student Vidhi Megha, who was killed in St. Catharines, Ont., two weeks ago.
The office shared this message on social media platform X on Friday. Earlier that day, Niagara regional police confirmed Megha’s identity after her body was discovered at a residence in the city’s north end on May 15. Up until that point, police had not revealed her name.
On May 19, authorities announced they arrested Joshua St. Omer, a 40-year-old resident of St. Catharines, and charged him with second-degree murder related to Megha’s death.
According to police reports, Megha, who was 23 years old, was found dead at a home located near Lake Street and Lakeshore Road around 4:15 p. m. ET. A man at the scene also suffered serious injuries. Acting Insp. Brett Sojda told on Friday that the injured man is St. Omer.
Initially, police stated on May 15 that a man had been taken to the hospital with injuries thought to be non-life-threatening.
“We convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and solidarity on this tragic loss,” said the Consulate General of India’s post on X. “The Consulate is in touch with family members in India and Canada as well as the funeral home and is providing all support and assistance to the family, including for transportation of the mortal remains to India.”
The statement noted she was an international student but did not specify where she was studying.
The Niagara Indian Association shared their sorrow over Megha’s death via Facebook on Friday, stating they were “deeply saddened” by the news.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” said the association. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they cope with this profound loss.”
“So unfortunately it takes longer than anyone would like. As soon as we were able to notify next of kin we started that process immediately.” Sojda also stated he couldn’t comment further about how she died: “I’m just not in a position to comment, just because of the ongoing investigation.” Homicide detectives continue urging anyone with information regarding Megha’s death to reach out to them. Individuals can also provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
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Family now notified, say police
Niagara police indicated that Megha’s family has been informed about her passing and investigators have concluded that the violence involved was isolated; there’s no ongoing threat to public safety. Sojda mentioned that homicide cases involving foreign nationals can complicate notifications due to processes requiring involvement from various agencies outside of [Niagara police] which must be notified first through federal authorities like Interpol.“So unfortunately it takes longer than anyone would like. As soon as we were able to notify next of kin we started that process immediately.” Sojda also stated he couldn’t comment further about how she died: “I’m just not in a position to comment, just because of the ongoing investigation.” Homicide detectives continue urging anyone with information regarding Megha’s death to reach out to them. Individuals can also provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
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