OTTAWA — An 18-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a woman who was attacked last week while working at the downtown Christian Science Reading Centre.
Tyler Hikoalok has made an initial court appearance and is to appear again by video on June 5.
Elisabeth Salm, 59, a volunteer at the reading centre, was found badly beaten last Thursday and died in hospital a day later.
Hikoalok was arrested Sunday.
His lawyer, Mike Smith, says his client is stressed and confused.
Smith says he is waiting for disclosure from the Crown about details in the case.
Salm's family has expressed gratitude for support offered by the community and is asking for privacy until members are prepared to make a statement.