Amit Kalia charged in killing of Shariyfa Birkett

Police say the boyfriend of a woman found dead in a vehicle in Brampton has been charged in relation to her death.

Peel Regional Police say they were called to an address on Melanie Drive in Brampton at 4 p.m. Saturday and officers found the woman's body inside a vehicle.

Early reports had suggested the vehicle was in a parking garage, but the property taped off on Melanie Drive is an industrial property with garage doors on some units. The address is located in an industrial area in the Steeles Avenue East and Torbram Road area.

The woman's death was deemed suspicious and a homicide investigation was launched.

The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Shariyfa Birkett.

Police say Amit Kalia, 31, of Mississauga now faces a charge of second-degree murder. He was due to appear in court on Sunday for a bail hearing.

On Sunday, police identified Kalia as the victim's boyfriend.

Police say they believe Kalia and Birkett had stayed at a motel or hotel near the casino in Niagara Falls on Friday evening.

Investigators believe the vehicle in which Birkett was found was towed to the location on Melanie Drive. They want to speak to the tow-truck driver, whom they believe is an innocent party in the case.

This case is the first homicide investigated by Peel Regional Police in 2015.

Investigators ask anyone with information to contact them at 905-453-2121, ext. 3205. Information can also be passed on anonymously through Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.