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Police have charged a woman from Leeds and Thousand Islands with first-degree murder in the death of her mother, a prominent retired Carleton University professor.
Officers found 78-year-old Katherine Graham’s body at a home on County Road 2 in Lansdowne early Tuesday afternoon after being asked to do a wellness check, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
Following an autopsy, police arrested Graham’s 43-year-old daughter, who has the same name, on Wednesday.
The elder Graham was “a distinguished scholar” whose work “profoundly shaped the fields of public policy, local governance, community development and Indigenous policy in Canada,” according to a statement from Carleton University.
“Her work, mentorship and commitment to advancing understanding and collaboration have had an enduring impact on colleagues and students,” the university wrote.
Graham was also a regular contributor to CBC Ottawa, sharing her expertise on municipal government and the public service.
‘Tragic incident’
Police spokesperson Bill Dickson declined to tell CBC News who requested the wellness check.
He also would not share any information about what may have led to Graham’s death.
“All I can say is that our thoughts are with other members of the family who will have to deal with all of this over the holiday season,” said Dickson.
The younger Graham is expected to appear at the Brockville courthouse on Thursday, police said. Dickson said the investigation continues.
“If anybody has any information they could share that could shed more light on on this tragic incident, they should reach out and contact the OPP,” he said.