Husband of pregnant Edmonton woman appears in court
Michael White appeared in an Edmonton courtroom on Tuesday, charged with second-degree murder of his pregnant wife, Liana, who disappeared one week ago.
White, 28, has also been charged with committing an indignity to a dead body.
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Liana White
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Wearing blue prison coveralls, leg shackles and handcuffs, White showed little emotion as the charges were read. His lawyer reserved plea in the case, and White's next court appearance will be on July 26.
Police arrested White on Monday in a case that made headlines across Edmonton, Alberta, and across Canada.
On Sunday, White was with a search team when a body was found on the city's outskirts.
Police have not confirmed whether the body is that of Liana White, but were scheduled to hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon to give further details of the investigation.
The 29-year-old was four months pregnant when she vanished without a trace on July 12 after apparently leaving for work.
Her SUV was found abandoned in a park about two kilometres from her house. The driver's door was open, her wallet, keys, cellphone and shoes were found scattered in and around the vehicle.
There was no sign of violence, no sign of a struggle.
At the time, police said Michael White wasn't a suspect, and that they were treating his wife's disappearance as a missing person case.
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Michael White
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But they also searched the family home for evidence, saying it was because it was the last place she'd been seen.
Last week, Michael White made a televised plea for his wife's return, saying he would do anything to find her and thanking police and volunteers for their efforts.
On the weekend, he told the Edmonton Sun, "if they're thinking it was the husband, forget the husband. Let's find my wife."
Neighbours said Michael White, a mechanic, helped fix up cars for people. They described him as outgoing and friendly. Jama said Liana White was quiet, but seemed happy.
The couple already had a young daughter, who was born a year after their wedding.