NEW GLASGOW, N.S. -

A Nova Scotia man has been charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder in the death of 19-year-old Amber Kirwan, police said Thursday.

Christopher Alexander Falconer of Heathbell, N.S., was arrested Wednesday morning at the medium-security Dorchester Institution in New Brunswick, the RCMP and New Glasgow police told a news conference.

RCMP Supt. Darrell Beaton said the arrest was the result of months of thorough investigation by both police forces.

"We sincerely hope that the arrest will be a step forward in the healing process for Amber's family and indeed the entire community," said Beaton.

He wouldn't reveal specifics around the case or what led police to arrest Falconer.

"I can say that Christopher Falconer became a person of interest in the early stages of the investigation," Beaton said.

He said investigators believe that Falconer, 29, and Kirwan were strangers to one other.

"The investigation uncovered that there was no previous relationship and to the best of my knowledge they didn't know each other," said Beaton.

Kirwan was reported missing last October and her remains were found in a wooded farm property near New Glasgow about a month later. Police later ruled her death was a homicide.

She was last seen on a surveillance video leaving a pool hall October 9, 2011 and was believed to be walking to a convenience store to meet her boyfriend, who said she never arrived.

New Glasgow police Chief Delaney Chisholm said Kirwan's death was a senseless tragedy that affected the local community.

"It shattered many people's sense of safety and security," said Chisholm.

"I hope today's announcement of an arrest and charges will bring a sense of release to the people of New Glasgow and the surrounding community."

Falconer made a brief appearance Thursday morning in Pictou provincial court, where his case was adjourned until June 18.

Police said they also arrested a woman Wednesday but later released her without laying charges.

Beaton said the woman's arrest was not crucial in the laying of charges against Falconer.

"Whether or not we arrested this individual and the manner in which that aspect of the investigation unfolded had no bearing on whether or not we were going to charge Mr. Falconer."

Beaton said police didn't expect to lay any additional charges.