Wed, July 20, 2005
Violent struggle killed wife
Hubby on 2nd-degree murder rap
By CP
EDMONTON -- Liana White and her unborn child were killed in a violent struggle and left to decompose in a ditch in a crime that has shattered the lives of her 3-year-old daughter and other family members.
Her husband Michael White, 28, has been charged with second-degree murder in her death and with committing an indignity to a dead body.
The 29-year-old hospital clerk's body was too decomposed to immediately determine how she died, Edmonton Police Det. Michael Campeau told reporters yesterday. Her identity was determined by dental records.
Campeau said the families of both Michael and Liana are devastated.
"It's a tragic day. It's not a victory for the police service," he said. "We're not here to celebrate anything. Unfortunately, it's a tragedy for both sets of families. Liana's mom is not doing well at all."
Campeau said he felt especially sorry for the couple's daughter, Ashley, who was believed to be in the custody of Liana's mother.
"She's lost both her mom and dad."
Further tests need to be done to determine cause of death, he said.
The police announcement came only hours after an exhausted-looking Michael White made his first court appearance, where he reserved plea on the charges against him.
White closed his eyes and winced as the charges were read out.
White's next court appearance is July 26.
Published reports say the couple were heavily in debt, with liens on two
vehicles and a $166,000 mortgage on a $170,000 house.
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