Former Brampton firefighter James Schwalm  charged with First-Degree murder in relation to his wife, Ashley Schwalm’s death in Collingwood

The 2023 Ontario Homicide Victim List is available here

On January 26th at approximately 5:55am, police said a Mitsubishi Outlander was driving northbound on Arrowhead Road, when it left the roadway the vehicle then drove down an embankment came to a stop and caught fire. 40-year-old Ashley Schwalm was found deceased in the vehicle. 

OPP, James Schwalm, 38, of Collingwood had originally been charged with second-degree murder and offering an indignity to a dead body in connection with the death of his wife Ashley Schwalm, however, on February 17th police announced his charge has been upgraded to first degree murder.

The City of Brampton announced on February 4th that James Schwalm has been notified of their termination for cause in accordance with the Collective Agreement and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. Schwalm remains in custody and will appear in Barrie court again on March 3.