The 2026 Ontario Homicide Victim List is available here.

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, emergency crews were called to a home near Nash Road and Varcoe Road in Courtice following reports of a fire.

When police and Clarington fire services arrived around 10:35 p.m., the house was already completely consumed by flames.

Inside the residence, responders discovered the body of 78-year-old Gerald “Gerry” Schad. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that he died as a result of the fire.

More than a month later, on April 1, 2026, authorities located a suspect allegedly attempting to ignite another residential fire near Townline Road North and Nash Road in Courtice. Investigators say the individual used a makeshift electronic ignition device. Although the home was occupied at the time, no one was physically harmed.

Following further investigation, members of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch and the Homicide Unit connected the suspect to the earlier fatal fire on Nash Road. Police believe the same individual was responsible for starting that blaze.

At the time of these incidents, the accused was reportedly under court-ordered conditions prohibiting possession of incendiary devices.

Matthew Bryce Shawn Jones, a 23-year-old from Oshawa, now faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, two counts of arson with disregard for human life, two counts of mischief under $5,000, two counts of breach of probation, and prowling at night. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have relevant information, such as cellphone footage, dash cam video, or surveillance recordings, to come forward. They can contact Detective Stewart of the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 5416.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)