The 1988 murder of Byron Carr horrified Prince Edward Islanders and terrified many members of the LGBTQ community. Now, 35 years later, an arrest has been made in the case by the Charlottetown police. Todd Joseph Gallant, 56, of Souris, P.E.I., also known as Todd Joseph Irving, was charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of dealing with human remains, according to Chief Brad MacConnell’s announcement on Friday.
According to MacConnell, the arrest was made around 11:55 a.m. around on Thursday. Authorities believe Gallant is responsible for the death of Carr, whom he described as a beloved son, brother, friend, respected teacher, and wonderful neighbor, based on “significant forensic evidence.” The killer’s age was 21 when the crime was committed.
According to MacConnell, a second person was also apprehended this week by the police. According to the chief, the individual was subsequently released; however, the investigation into their possible involvement in the case is ongoing.
The English teacher at Montague Regional High School was 36 years old Carr. His body was found with multiple stab wounds after he was strangled with a towel in his house on Lapthorne Avenue in the early hours of November 11, 1988.
The police have long maintained their belief that Carr had an affair with a young man he brought home, and they have even gone so far as to assume that this individual was his killer. Murder “shook our city and province to its core,” according to MacConnell, who emphasized that the gay community and Carr’s loved ones were among those most affected by the tragedy.
The fact that Carr was gay was revealed after his death, according to MacConnell, since he kept it a secret. A “dark and unfortunate time” in P.E.I.’s history, the chief said, that compelled individuals like Carr to “socialize in the shadows and take unnecessary risks.” Additionally, he mentioned that for 35 years, there were many unresolved questions for both his family and our community.
I really regret that we were unable to provide these answers earlier. John Carr, Carr’s brother, expressed gratitude to the public and law enforcement during Friday’s news conference.
