The Hamilton 2024 Homicide Victim List is available here

Hamilton Police and paramedics responded to a residence at 112 Ottawa Street North, Apartment 1 on August 8, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m. 

On arrival, emergency responders encountered a barricaded and locked door. After forcibly gaining entry, emergency responders discovered two deceased individuals inside the apartment. According to the Hamilton Spectator “The pair’s lifeless bodies were found side-by-side on a bed”.

Investigators said the Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation. At this time, no suspects are being sought, and the identities of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Update August 12th 2024
The victims have been identified as Barbara Church, a 77-year-old resident, and Derek Emmons, a 51-year-old individual. Barbara Church was found deceased on the bed with a stab wound, while Derek Emmons was also found deceased from a self-inflicted injury.

Police said a knife with blood was recovered from the scene. Following autopsies, the police have determined Barbara Church’s death to be a homicide and Derek Emmons’ death to be a suicide.

Police said the pair lived in separate units across the hall from each other in the walkup. Det. Frank De Vuono said “I can tell you they were not in a romantic relationship. They were not known to each other.”

De Vuono also noted that Church knew Emmons Roomate who was found on Barton Street, east of Ottawa Street, in medical distress on Saturday, Aug. 3. He was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries on August 9th. An autopsy was conducted and investigators do not believe at this time that it’s suspicious.

If you have any information to provide regarding the investigation, please contact Detective Frank De Vuono at 905-546-3827.