The 2023 Ontario Homicide Victim List is available here
Peterborough police were called to an apartment on Simcoe Street between George Street and Aylmer Street about a possible stabbing on September 6, at approximately 9:00pm.
On arrival police located a 27-year-old Peterborough woman and ta 30-year-old Peterborough man suffering from injuries. Both victims were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre where the female was pronounced deceased, and the male was transported to a Toronto-area hospital in critical condition. The female victim has been identified as Cynara Lewis.
Investigators learned that a male had been seen leaving the area. At approximately 12:30am on September 7, 2023, officers received information that the suspect was spotted in a wooded area near Ashburnham Drive and Mariah Street. Police said the Emergency Response Team, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Unit, officers from the Investigative Services Unit, and an OPP K9 Unit attended the area.
On arrival, the officers acquired information that two women known to the suspect had been verbally threatened and one attacked with a hatchet. The women were able to escape and were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment.
Officers continued searching the woods and located a male and a female, who were taken into custody without incident.
29-year-old Jesse Rowe of Peterborough was arrested and charged with:
- Second Degree Murder
- Attempt to Commit Murder
- Assault with a weapon
- Utter threats X2
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order X2
The 30-year-old woman found with the suspect was taken into custody on the strength of a warrant for a shoplifting incident on August 27, 2023. In connection with the incident in the woods, the woman was further charged with:
- Utter threats X2
According to Peterborough police, “Rowe has a lengthy criminal history with Peterborough Police dating back to 2012 and is currently before the courts for robbery with a weapon and fail to comply with a probation order. He is currently bound by a probation order with the following the conditions to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He is also bound by seven prohibition orders with regard to firearms, restricted weapons, ammunition, and explosives.”