The 2026 Ontario Homicide Victim List is available here.

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service officers are investigating a fatal incident at a multi-unit residential building in the 0–100 block of Terry Fox Place.

On September 21, 2026, police were called to the building after 911 communicators received a report of a person yelling for help at approximately 8:40 a.m.

Officers arrived and found two injured people inside a unit. One victim had suffered life-threatening injuries, while the other person, later identified as 82-year-old Ronald Dales, had sustained serious injuries. Both individuals were taken to hospital for treatment.

Police determined through their investigation that Dales allegedly assaulted and injured the victim with a hammer before injuring himself. The victim and accused were known to one another.

Dales was arrested and initially charged with attempted murder. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

On September 24, 2026, detectives with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Investigation Services charged Dales with first-degree murder after the victim died from the injuries sustained during the incident.

Police said officers with Patrol Services and detectives with Investigation Services are involved in the investigation.

Authorities have described the incident as isolated, and police have stated there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

Dales remains in custody pending a bail hearing.