The 2026 Ontario Homicide Victim List is available here.
On the afternoon of June 9, 2026, Peterborough Police responded to reports of a person in the water near the London Street footbridge and Parkhill Road, on the east side of the Otonabee River. Officers arrived shortly before 5:00 p.m., removed the woman from the water, and immediately began life-saving efforts.
The victim was transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre, where she was later pronounced dead. At the time, authorities indicated that the death was not considered suspicious and that the Coroner’s Office would be investigating.
As is standard procedure, the Peterborough Police Major Crime Unit reviewed the sudden death. Following further investigation, officers determined that criminal charges were warranted.
Police have identified the deceased as 74-year-old Susan Maier of Peterborough. On Friday, June 12, 2026, her daughter, 45-year-old Sarah-Jayne Maier, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case.
The accused was held in custody and scheduled to appear in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on June 13.
Investigators are continuing to seek information from the public. Anyone who was on the Rotary Trail between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on June 9, 2026, and may have witnessed anything relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 ext. 555 or provide anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Update: On Thursday, July 9, 2026, officers located and arrested the two women after determining they had provided false information during their interactions with police.
As a result:
- A 65-year-old Peterborough woman was also charged with Obstruct Peace Officer. She was released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on September 29, 2026.
- A 48-year-old Peterborough woman was charged with Obstruct Peace Officer. She was released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on September 29, 2026.