Update: Victim identified; man charged in suspicious death in Ogden

Police have charged a man who is believed to be responsible for the death of a woman who was found deceased in a residence in the city’s southeast last weekend. Her death has since been deemed a domestic-related homicide.

At approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, we were called for reports of a disturbance in a residence located in the 7600 block of 23 Street S.E. Upon arrival, one woman was located deceased.

An autopsy completed yesterday, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, confirmed the victim’s identity as 31-year-old Maria HIRMIZ.

On Monday, April 7, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence, resulting in the arrest of a Calgary man.

As a result, Bearj Gerald MELANSON,41, is charged with one count of second-degree murder.

MELANSON will next appear in court on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Domestic violence is a complex problem that can only be addressed when everyone in the community works together to end it. Abuse thrives in silence. We encourage Calgarians to:

• Learn how you can reach out and support someone you know, or suspect might be in an abusive or violent relationship.
   
• Be an open and accepting friend if someone discloses their experience with abuse – saying "I believe you" goes a long way.
   
• Talk to your children about what kinds of behaviours are healthy in a relationship and which ones are not.
   
• Donate to organizations that work to support families affected by domestic and sexual violence.
   
• Volunteer with organizations that work to support families affected by domestic and sexual violence.
   

Calgarians experiencing abuse or violence in an intimate or family relationship are always encouraged to reach out for help. There are agencies ready to offer support that can be contacted by calling 211. The Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 at 403-234-SAFE (7233).

We also encourage you to call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 which is available 24/7 and in more than 170 languages from anywhere in Alberta. If phone calls are not available to you, we encourage you to use the Alberta Safety Chat Line, by clicking HERE. This chat line is available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. MST in English.

Victims of domestic violence can also contact the Calgary Police Service anytime by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

Case #: CA25138779/4277