Two men plead guilty in east-end jewelry heist

Two men have pled guilty in court in a home invasion and robbery of a senior couple’s home. CTV Windsor’s Stefanie Masotti has the details.

Two men have pleaded guilty for their role in a home invasion and robbery of a senior couple in Windsor’s east end in March of 2024.

In an agreed statement of facts presented to the court on Wednesday, Justice Bruce Thomas heard Raymond Hunter responded to a cable service call at a house the 1400 block of Aspenshore Avenue on Feb. 29, 2024, where his observed 15 or more wrist watches in a watch box in a main floor bedroom.

He then contacted Jason Makulski who in turn contacted another party who devised a plan to commit a robbery.

Around 9:30 p.m. on March 18, Downey and another person forced their way into the home, wearing masks and brandishing what was believed to be a firearm.

One of the two also identified the pair as police officers.

The homeowners, a husband and wife, attempted to fight back.

One was assaulted and sustained injuries to his head and elbow.

The accused fled with the watches.

The estimated value of the stolen items, according to the homeowner, is around $40,000.

During the theft, one of the attackers dropped their phone which was later retrieved by police for evidence.

The K9 Police Unit searched the area and found gloves, a balaclava, two sunglasses and a watch 200 meters from the home. More items were found at two other nearby locations.

On Wednesday, Downey pleaded guilty to break and enter and to commit an indictable offence.

Hunter pleaded guilty to robbery ‘as a party.’

Makulski’s defence lawyer told CTV New he expects his client’s charges to be withdrawn at a later date.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 17.