Ont. man charged with first-degree murder after dead body discovered in Bradford home

Sketch of Joshua Berrezueta Wilson, 25, of Bradford, Ont. charged with first-degree murder on Aug., 1, 2025. (Sketch from Linda Laforge)

South Simcoe Police are investigating after a person was found dead inside a Bradford West Gwillimbury home on Thursday evening.

Officers were called to Brittania Avenue for a well-being check just before 7:30 p.m. When entering the home, police discovered a deceased person.

During the course of the investigation, a second person was found on the property and taken into custody.

A 25-year-old Bradford man named Joshua Berrezueta Wilson has since been charged with first-degree murder. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

A press conference was held at the South Simcoe Police headquarters on Friday regarding the homicide investigation. Dave Phillips, Sergeant with the South Simcoe Police Service said, “There is a familial connection between the deceased and the accused.”

An autopsy is scheduled to take place on Saturday as police work to identify the victim.

Detectives with the South Simcoe Police Criminal Investigations Bureau are leading the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Det. Jason Bellamy [phone], ext. 1072, or Acting Det. Dan Raymond at ext. 1027.

Officials confirmed that this investigation can take up to several months. There is no immediate threat to public safety and it is an isolated incident.

The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.

Anonymous tips linked to this investigation can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You will not be required to testify, and information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.