Three years after the murder of B.C. teenager Rachel Pernosky, police have announced charges against her estranged half-brother.

Pernosky, the mother of a young boy, was found dead at the bottom of an embankment in Chilliwack in March 2013, days after she was reported missing.

The Mission resident was just 18 years old.

On Monday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team revealed police believe her half-brother, 31-year-old Matthew Joseph Pernosky, is responsible for the crime.

Counts of second-degree murder and indignity to a body have been approved against the suspect, Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pound said at a press conference. The latter charge involves sexual contact with Pernosky’s body, but police could not provide further details.

“This is a tragic case that has left a family with many unanswered questions,” Pound said.

“While there will be many questions regarding the motive, investigative details and details surrounding the charges, the integrity of this investigation must be protected and the court process will be honoured.”

Pernosky’s family wasn’t present at the press conference, but IHIT released a statement on their behalf expressing gratitude and relief that the case is moving forward.

The family also remembered the deceased as a “strong and beautiful young woman with her whole life ahead of her.”

“Our sweet Rachel will never have the opportunity to live out her dreams. She didn’t deserve this,” the family said.

“Her senseless murder has left behind a young boy who will never know his mother and will one day need answers to questions that he should never have to ask.”

Pernosky’s son was just one year old at the time of her death.

IHIT said once Pernosky’s body was discovered, police quickly determined her death wasn’t random, and a suspect was identified early in the investigation.

Police gathered enough evidence to finally secure charges last week, and the accused was arrested without incident on Friday.

He appeared in court Monday morning.