Investigators have ruled the death of a female in a residential fire in Pickering a homicide.
On June 11, 2025, at approximately 2:20 p.m., members of West Division responded to the area of Primrose Court and Fairport Road for a house fire. A 69-year-old female was located deceased inside the residence.
At the conclusion of a post-mortem the Durham Regional Police Homicide Unit took over the investigation. This is Durham’s third homicide of 2025.
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Sandra COUTINHO, age 34, of Pickering was arrested and charged with: Accessory After the Fact to Murder.
She was held for a bail hearing.
An additional suspect has been identified and the investigation remains ongoing. At this time, investigators believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to public safety.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. French of the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5421.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
