Suspect in Kitchener stabbing charged with second-degree murder

A stabbing suspect has been charged with second-degree murder. CTV's Hannah Schmidt tells us what happened on a typically quiet Kitchener street.

A 26-year-old Kitchener man has been charged with second-degree murder following a fatal stabbing in the city’s west-end.

Waterloo Regional Police were called to a home on Garden Path Place around 4:30 p.m. Friday.

“Upon arrival, officers located an adult male deceased in a residence,” said Const. Melissa Quarrie.

No further details were shared about the victim, including his name.

“We are still working with the family and those involved,” Const. Chris Iden told CTV News on Friday.

Police said their investigation led them to Ardelt Avenue where they arrested a 26-year-old man from Kitchener.

“Ardelt is not near the area,” Iden explained. “That [address] was just given to us through other information that we were able to obtain.”

The 26-year-old suspect, who was also not identified, was charged with second-degree murder.

“Based on the totality of the investigation at this point, a charge of second-degree murder was deemed appropriate,” Quarrie said. “[There is] no ongoing threat to public safety as this was an incident that was isolated in nature.”

The stabbing is Waterloo Region’s first homicide of 2026.

Reaction from neighbours

Residents described Garden Path Place as a quiet cul-de-sac.

“Everybody’s friendly,” explained Rram Naqvi. “This is shocking for us.”

Some did, however, notice more people coming and going from the property before the man’s death.

“I believe [the] basement is rented out,” Naqvi said. “A couple guys, they’re coming out from there. We don’t know exactly who or how many people live in that house.”

Police have not confirmed whether there were renters at the property.

One neighbour shared video from their security system with CTV News which showed a person running on the sidewalk just before 4 p.m. That was about 30 minutes before officers arrived at the home on Garden Path Place.

Police said they were unable to confirm whether investigators were aware of the video or if the person shown was connected to their case.

Naqvi insisted it was still a safe area.

“It could happen anywhere,” he said. “I believe this still a good neighbourhood.”

- With reporting by Hannah Schmidt