Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Homicide Section investigators have arrested and charged a 27-year-old man in connection to the Jan. 8, 2023, murder of Charlize Wolfinger-Oflaherty.On Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, police responded to a weapons complaint at a walk-up residence near 105 Avenue and 156 Street. Upon arrival, EPS members found a deceased 18-year-old female inside the suite. An autopsy conducted by the Edmonton Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death to be a gunshot wound with the manner of death remaining unconfirmed, at that time.
EPS Homicide Section detectives subsequently launched a lengthy and complex investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death, which culminated with the arrest of Ryan Kovacs, 27, yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.
“The diligence and commitment exhibited throughout this complex investigation by the EPS homicide team, as well as our RCMP partners, eventually led to the arrest of the person we believe is responsible for taking this young woman’s life,” says EPS Homicide Section Staff Sgt. Colin Leathem.
“While the manner of death wasn’t initially clear, our investigation was able to successfully clarify who was actually responsible for Charlize’s death,” stated Leathem. "We deeply appreciate the support and patience of the Wolfinger-Oflaherty family throughout the process, and hope the investigative outcome brings them some level of comfort knowing what happened to their loved one.”
Ryan Michael Joseph Kovacs, 27, is facing charges of second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, assault (x2), pointing a firearm (x2) and various other firearm-relatedoffences.
EPS Homicide Section detectives subsequently launched a lengthy and complex investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death, which culminated with the arrest of Ryan Kovacs, 27, yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.
“The diligence and commitment exhibited throughout this complex investigation by the EPS homicide team, as well as our RCMP partners, eventually led to the arrest of the person we believe is responsible for taking this young woman’s life,” says EPS Homicide Section Staff Sgt. Colin Leathem.
“While the manner of death wasn’t initially clear, our investigation was able to successfully clarify who was actually responsible for Charlize’s death,” stated Leathem. "We deeply appreciate the support and patience of the Wolfinger-Oflaherty family throughout the process, and hope the investigative outcome brings them some level of comfort knowing what happened to their loved one.”
Ryan Michael Joseph Kovacs, 27, is facing charges of second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, assault (x2), pointing a firearm (x2) and various other firearm-relatedoffences.