LETHBRIDGE – A resident of a quiet Lethbridge community says she isn’t entirely shocked by news that 58-year-old Lisa Freihaut had been arrested in connection with the death of her of 78-year-old mother.
On Friday, Freihaut was charged with one count of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of her mother, Irene Carter.
READ MORE: Calgary woman charged in stabbing death of her 78-year-old mother
According to police, Carter was found dead in her home on Jan. 17, 2016, by Freihaut and her husband Dean.
“The rumour in the neighbourhood had already been that the daughter was responsible,” neighbour Jackie Webster said on Saturday. “We had sort of felt that was the case as well.”
Just two weeks ago, Freihaut made a tearful plea to the public, asking for information about her mother’s violent death.
READ MORE: ‘No family deserves to have to go through this’: daughter of homicide victim
“I felt it was sort of a selfish plea, more concerned about her not being able to do things as opposed to what Irene is missing out on,” Webster said.
Webster, who attended Carter’s funeral, also said she felt the plea was only one of several indicators that Freihaut was a suspect in the murder.
“I think I recall a niece who did the eulogy and she mentioned that they had a daughter named Lisa” she said. “That was the only thing (about Lisa). They said a lot about the grandchildren – lots about Irene and Jack’s private life and work life – but nothing about the daughter.”
Lethbridge police have confirmed that Carter was killed on Jan. 13 and that her body was found four days later by Dean Freihaut.
READ MORE: Death of 78-year-old Lethbridge woman ruled a homicide
Police have said they do not expect to make any other arrests in Carter’s death and that they believe they have a motive.
“The accused and victim had been involved in a dispute over finances and a physical altercation inside the residence ultimately resulted in the death of Mrs. Carter,” Staff Sgt. Scott Woods said.
Freihaut is currently in police custody in Calgary and is expected to make her first court appearance via CCTV on Monday.