Suspect in strangling death of woman in Edmonton arrested in Vancouver

Suspect in strangling death of woman in Edmonton arrested in Vancouver
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Police say Gregory Tessman, 49, is believed to have travelled to Victoria over the weekend. Credit: Edmonton Police Service

Edmonton Police announced late Tuesday that the suspect in the murder of a woman last week has been arrested in Vancouver.

Gregory Christopher Tessman was picked up on East Hastings Street at a homeless shelter.

The 49-year old will be charged with second-degree murder.

Victoria Police had been the lookout for the suspect after investigators in Edmonton learned that he’d arrived in the city by bus over the weekend.

“I would like to thank the media for their assistance with this investigation, which ultimately led to the quick arrest of Mr. Tessman,” says Staff Sgt. Bill Clark of the EPS Homicide Section.

Original Story

A 49-year-old man wanted in connection with the death of a Montreal woman found strangled in Edmonton may be in Victoria, police said Tuesday.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said Gregory Christopher Tessman travelled to Victoria by bus over the weekend. In a news release, VicPD said they are searching for Tessman and he is believed to be in the Greater Victoria area.

Edmonton police homicide detectives have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for Tessman. He faces a charge of second-degree murder for the death of Valerie Maurice.

Tessman also has ties to Camrose, Alta. and Edmonton police have contacted police in that city. EPS Staff Sgt. Bill Clark said Tessman is known to police.

“He has a criminal background from several years ago,” EPS Staff Sgt. Bill Clark said.

Maurice, who was 29, was found dead in Tessman’s northeast Edmonton apartment suite on Aug. 31. Police believe she went to the apartment on Tuesday, Aug. 29, around midnight. It is believed Maurice frequently travelled between Montreal and Edmonton.

“We’re aware that she led a high-risk lifestyle, but the focus today is not on the victim but on finding Mr. Tessman,” Clark said.


Valérie Maurice, 29, was from Montréal.Credit: Facebook

Edmonton police have been in contact with Montreal police, but they do not believe there is a direct connection to the city and her death.

Tessman is described by police as Caucasian, 6 feet tall, and weighing about 180 pounds. Victoria police say he has medium length, light brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone who sees Tessman is asked to call 911 and not approach him. Anonymous tips can be shared with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.


Police say Gregory Tessman, 49, is believed to have travelled to Victoria over the weekend.  These series of photos were taken last Thursday. Credit: Edmonton Police Service


Police say Gregory Tessman, 49, is believed to have travelled to Victoria over the weekend. Credit: Edmonton Police Service

Alexa HuffmanAlexa Huffman

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