Man charged with murder after victim stabbed to death in Sudbury

A 36-year-old man faces a first-degree murder charge after a woman was fatally stabbed in what police called an intimate partner violence incident on Wednesday.

In what’s being called a case of intimate partner violence, police in Greater Sudbury have arrested a 36-year-old man wanted in the stabbing death of a 63-year-old woman early Wednesday morning.

A 32-year-old woman also received serious but not life-threatening injuries in the incident.

Two children were found inside the residence, but had no physical injuries.

“The two young children (were) in good health, thankfully,” said Det. Sgt. Barry Ornella in an interview with CTV News Wednesday afternoon.

“Shortly before 11:30 a.m. officers located the 36-year-old man in a wooded area off Alder Street with injuries that appear to be self-inflicted,” police said in a news release early Wednesday afternoon.

“He was taken into custody without incident. Due to the nature of his injuries, he has been transported to the hospital for medical treatment. However, he remains in police custody.”

Ornella said he was brought to hospital due to the nature of the injuries.

He is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, forcible confinement and choking.

The incident began at 12:35 a.m. when police responded to an IPV call at a residence on Lorne Street.

“Information provided was that a community member and a family member had sustained serious injuries after a violent altercation with the community member’s partner,” police said in a news release.

“Officers arrived on scene and located a 32-year-old woman outside the residence who had sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.”

The woman was taken to hospital by paramedics.

“Officers made entry into the residence to check on the well-being of those who were believed to be inside,” the release said.

Two children were found inside

“Officers located a 63-year-old woman who had sustained what are believed to be multiple stab wounds. Unfortunately, she was pronounced deceased on scene.”

Police also found the two children inside the residence. They have since been taken to “a place of safety,” police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn said in an email.

Ornella added, “the safety of an entire family is compromised and, unfortunately, had tragic outcomes.”

“Officers cleared the residence and did not locate anyone else inside,” police said.

“It is believed that the individual responsible for the attack fled prior to police arrival.”

Before his capture, the suspect was described as a 36-year-old Black man, 5-foot-7 with short black hair and a beard.

“It is believed that he sustained an injury to one of his legs during the altercation,” the release said.

Residents in the area said they were shocked but not surprised by what happened.

“I feel relatively safe. I don’t take any chances, but I do feel safe knowing that I do have a locked place to go,” said Scott Sullivan.

“But elderly people ... are worried.”

“There’s certain times where you shouldn’t be walking alone in certain places ... that’s for sure,” added Emily Lachance.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171.

Officers remained on scene Wednesday morning, which is near Applegrove Street at Lorne, canvassing the area for information and video surveillance footage.

“Officers have applied for and been granted a search warrant for the residence,” police said.

“Members of the canine unit will be conducting an evidentiary ground search in the area.”