A 25-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of his 64-year-old mother in Pickering early Sunday morning, according to Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).
The incident occurred around 5:10 a.m. on Weyburn Square near Foxwood Trail, west of Whites Road and north of Sheppard Avenue East.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim, identified as Sheila Hercules, in critical condition. She was rushed to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. Acting Duty Inspector Andre Wyatt described her injuries as “significant and life-threatening.”
Her son, Aidan Hercules, was arrested at the scene. Police said the victim died as a result of being assaulted. While there was a vehicle collision at the location, investigators clarified that the death stemmed from the assault.
Aidan Hercules was taken to the hospital before being remanded into custody. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the assault or its motive.
Sheila Hercules is the 10th homicide victim in Durham Region this year.
Police emphasized that there are no additional suspects and no ongoing threat to public safety.
Anyone with information, including video or dashcam footage, is urged to contact investigators or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.