Man charged with 2nd-degree murder in death of Japanese student in Vancouver's West End

A man who was arrested last fall in connection with thedeath of aJapanese student has been charged with second-degree murder, Vancouver police announced Friday.

RCMParrestedWilliam Victor Schneider, 49, on Sept. 28, 2016, in Vernon, B.C, the same day police discovered the body ofNatsumiKogawain a mansion in Vancouver's West End.

Kogawa, 30,was reported missing on Sept. 12, 2016. Her body was discovered at building known asGabriola Mansion, a historic building on Davie Street.

Friends last heard from her on Sept. 8.She was the subject of a high-profile missing persons campaign. Kogawahad come to Vancouver to study English.

• Missing student Natsumi Kogawa sought by police, friends

Police confirmed last fall that Schneider was the man seen with Kogawa in a widely-distributedsurveillance photo.

At the time of his arrest last fall, Schneider was charged withindignity to a human body.

Crown Counsel has now approved the more serious charge of second-degree murder against Schneider, Vancouver police said in a statement.

He remains in custody.