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In November 2017, 22-year-old Tess Richey was murdered in downtown Toronto after encountering Kalen Schlatter. The case received widespread attention due to the circumstances of her disappearance and the discovery of her body by her mother near the area where she was last seen.
Richey’s body was found at the bottom of a stairwell in a laneway. The location was partially concealed and had been overlooked during earlier searches. An autopsy determined that the cause of death was neck compression consistent with strangulation.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the surrounding area, which showed Richey and Schlatter entering an alleyway together. Schlatter was later seen leaving alone, making him a key suspect. Further forensic analysis, including DNA evidence, linked Schlatter directly to the crime scene. The combination of video evidence and forensic findings formed the basis of the case against him.