Man charged with 2nd-degree murder after body of missing woman found in Toronto apartment

A 46-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder after Toronto police officers say the body of a missing woman in the city’s east end was discovered on Sunday.

Police said officers responded to a call regarding a missing woman in the area of Pape and Gamble avenues after 8 p.m.

Investigators said the woman, identified as 64-year-old Cynthia Coffey, had not been heard from in some time.

Officers found her body when they entered the apartment. Police said the victim suffered significant injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Monday, police said they arrested and charged Hugo Munoz with second-degree murder. Investigators said Cynthia and Munoz were known to each other. Global News has learned Munoz was Cynthia’s boyfriend.

Munoz appeared in a Toronto court on Monday.

The investigation remains ongoing and police said they are still looking to “establish the full circumstances surrounding Cynthia’s death.”

Doreen Coffey, Cynthia’s friend and former cousin through marriage, told Global News that Cynthia had been dating the accused since around 2009.

Doreen said Munoz had suffered from schizophrenia and had previously spent time in hospital.

Doreen said Cynthia told her she was going to spend Easter Sunday with her son at his home instead of her apartment because she was concerned about Munoz and his mental health.

Doreen said she spoke to Cynthia over Facebook on Saturday, at which time she said she was struggling to care for Munoz.

According to Doreen, Cynthia had planned to go to her son’s at 5 p.m. Sunday but when she didn’t show up, her son went to her apartment building and contacted the superintendent. Police were then called.

Anyone who may have seen Cynthia or has any information was asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.

— With files from Ryan Rocca