Michel Sabourin, 51, was formally charged with second-degree murder today after Quebec provincial police discovered the body of a woman in a Maniwaki home.

On Friday Sabourin appeared in court where he was arraigned.

Quebec provincial police said Lynda Riopel, who used a wheelchair, was found dead just after 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon at 133 Principale St. It was a home the 47-year-old Riopel moved into just last November.

Police interviewed Sabourin — allegedly the boyfriend of Riopel — at the scene and later arrested him. The two did not live together but Sabourin was a regular visitor to Riopel's and was often seen by neighbours shovelling snow from her wheelchair ramp.

Sabourin lives in a small apartment on Notre Dame Street, a five minute drive from the victim's home.

Sabourin's neighbours say they are shocked at the charge and know the accused as a gentle man who would check on sick friends and bring them food.

Investigators have ordered an autopsy and toxicology test. Sabourin remains in custody and will make another court appearence next week.